General News
12 September, 2023
Lions raise diabetes awareness
SIMPSON and District Lions Club members donned their walking shoes for a good cause over the weekend.
SIMPSON and District Lions Club members donned their walking shoes for a good cause over the weekend.
On Sunday members got behind a nation-wide Lions initiative – Lap the Map – to raise awareness about diabetes.
Club president Russ Davis was pleased with how the initiative went.
“A dozen or so keen Lions walked, but couldn’t quite lap, as a huge tree had fallen across part of the track due to recent storms,” he said.
“After some good walking we all enjoyed a terrific morning tea and raised well over $150 for the cause.”
More than 1.3 million Australians are currently living with diabetes and Lions volunteers across the country are on a mission to do what they can to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed.
In the leadup to World Diabetes Day on November 14, Lions Clubs across Australia will be hosting Lions Lap the Map walks and events in their local communities.
The community walks aim to raise awareness of diabetes and rally communities, healthcare professions, and individuals alike to work towards a healthier and more vibrant future for all Australians.
With the help of communities across Australia, Lions Australia aims to have a combined distance travelled which will exceed Australia’s circumference (25,760 kms) by World Diabetes Day.
Lions national diabetes co-ordinator Pat Mills said diabetes was a key focus for Lions and the organisation was focussed on doing what it can to help reduce the impact of the disease in the community.
“Across Australia 1.3 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes and 283 people are diagnosed every day,” she said.
“The disease can lead to serious health issues affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth.
“In most high-income countries, diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputation.
“It’s expected to affect 629 million adults by 2045.”
Ms Mills said early diagnosis, optimal treatment and effective ongoing support and management reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
She said in recent years Lions Clubs across Australia have been focused on raising awareness and funds to support more vital research into the diagnoses and treatment.