The 2010 National Diabetes Week theme; PREVENT type 2 diabetes and AVOID kidney damage will be officially launched at Sunday’s game.

The Carlton players are supporting National Diabetes Week (11-17 July) as part of the Carlton Football Club’s community program in 2010. The Blues have been joined by the Bulldogs to help promote this important campaign.

The decision to support the diabetes cause was a natural one for the Carlton players who have jumped at the opportunity to not only support the community but also Carlton rookie list player, Josh Donaldson who has type one diabetes. The Bulldogs' Sam Reid also has type one diabetes and both Sam and the Western Bulldogs are also involved in promoting National Diabetes.

“We are pleased to be supporting this important campaign and we hope through our support more people become aware to the risks of developing type 2 diabetes. The fact that our teammate, Josh Donaldson, has type one diabetes, has given this campaign a real purpose among the players,” the Blues Andrew Carrazzo said this week.

Make Sure You are Not at Risk
It is important to alert people to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease with serious complications of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and amputations. The diabetes epidemic is growing by 275 Australians every day. Diabetes currently affects 1.7 million Australians, only half of whom know they have it. For every person known to have type 2 diabetes, another is yet to be diagnosed.

Diabetes is one of the main causes of kidney disease. People with diabetes are three times more likely to develop kidney damage though many Australians don’t realise the seriousness of developing type 2 diabetes and the ongoing complications, before it is too late.

Don’t be the type to leave it too late. Could you or one of your family members or friends be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Research shows most people do not think diabetes is a serious condition and underestimate their risk. We want you to help us alert people who are over 40, overweight who have a family history of type 2 diabetes to understand their risk, visit their doctor and join a diabetes prevention program.

Make sure you collect your risk assessment card outside the ground at Sunday’s game, you can assess you risk by calling 13 RISK (13 7475). For more information about type 2 diabetes prevention programs call Diabetes Australia - Vic’s Infoline on 1300 136 588 or go to www.diabetesvic.org.au