Over 1.3 million Australians have diabetes, and an estimated 2 million are at high risk of developing the condition - and these numbers are increasing rapidly every day in communities across the country.
Diabetes doesn’t discriminate, and rates are rising for the young and old, men and women, and across a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
In response to this national health epidemic, diabetes is one of Lions’ 5 key focus areas in 2019.
As a national service organisation made up of volunteers from all ages and places, Lions Australia are uniquely positioned to promote diabetes prevention on a national scale, and within each of our local communities.
Fast facts:
- Diabetes is recognised as the world’s fastest growing chronic condition.
- One in 11 adults has diabetes (415 million)
- 12 per cent of global health expenditure is spent on diabetes (USD$673 billion)
- Every six seconds a person dies from diabetes (5.0 million deaths)
You can check how many diabetics live in your community with this interactive map - https://map.ndss.com.au/#!/
Lions ‘Lap the Map’ for diabetes 2019
Event Details
On Sunday 17th November,2019 we are calling for Australians to ‘Lap the Map’ for diabetes prevention.
Lions Clubs across the country will be hosting family friendly walks and community events to promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of the Diabetes epidemic in Australia.
Lions will be engaging with local groups and experts to provide information on diabetes at these events. Clubs will be reporting the length of their ‘Lap the Map’ walks and we are aiming to move a combined distance that exceeds Australia’s circumference (25,760 kms).
‘Lap the Map’ is one important part of our overall mission to reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Australia this year. Type 2 Diabetes represents 90% of all cases of diabetes, and can be prevented or delayed in more than half of these cases through making healthy lifestyle choices:
- Regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Making healthy food choices
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Not smoking.
It doesn’t matter how far you walk or run, it’s about being involved, getting active and moving together on this critical national project.
Lions across Australia are committed to doing what we can to raise awareness and increase education around diabetes prevention and promote healthier living.
Many of us know someone with diabetes and understand the impact it has on quality of life, so we encourage all Lions, Leos, friends and family to join in our Lap the Map events on Sunday 17th November.
You will enjoy a great day out and participate in a wonderful opportunity for Lions Australia to benefit your community and raise awareness around how we stop the spread of diabetes nationally. We also encourage attendees to post photos or videos participating in Lap the Map walks and use the hashtag #Lionslapthemap to help spread the message to as many people as possible.
By getting involved with Lap the Map this November, you are helping Lions Australia continue our commitment to community wellbeing through innovative Lions health projects that help Australians through education, awareness and the power of volunteering.