A Health Department report shows Melton residents have the highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the state at 9.3 per cent. Moorabool’s rate was 5 per cent (30th).
Melton-Bacchus Marsh Diabetes Support Group convener Jeann Clark (pictured) said the figures, revealed after studies declared Melton and the north-west to be a healthy food “desert”, were not surprising.
The group has 40 members. “I don’t know what the answer is,” she said. “Some years ago Diabetes Victoria advertised changing lifestyle to prevent type 2 diabetes, like losing weight. But we’ve got some very skinny people in our group and they’re type 2. It could be genetic or steroid-induced for asthmatics.” The group meets on the first Thursday of the month. Details: 9743 6488
