Every five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes, prompting national pharmacy brand, Discount Drug Stores, to offer free diabetes risk screenings over July and August to assist Australians in detecting risk factors before it takes a toll on more lives.
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The pharmacy’s ‘Give Diabetes The Finger’ campaign encourages all Australians, particularly those who may not be aware that they are at risk, to go in store for a free risk assessment.
These assessments are designed to screen patients and advise of their potential risk of developing the condition, raise awareness of the symptoms and offer advice and tips to lower their risk of diabetes.
Coinciding with National Diabetes Awareness Week (July 8 to 14), Discount Drug Stores professional services pharmacist Melissa Hui believes the launch of the free screenings is the opportune time for Australians to invest in prevention via early detection and improved management.
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“If diabetes continues to rise at current rates, three million Australians over the age of 25 will be diagnosed by 2025,” she said.
“These are alarming statistics and we want all Australians to be aware of the potential warnings signs of diabetes before it permanently affects their wellbeing.”
Common warning signs of diabetes includes excessive thirst, chronic lethargy, and constant hunger, however, these symptoms can often go undiagnosed and be attributed to other generic health conditions, meaning people are more likely to dismiss symptoms as a pre-cursor for diabetes.
“Early diagnosis and lifestyle management can assist in combating diabetes, with research indicating over 500,000 Australians are living undiagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes,” Ms Hui said.
“Early prevention is key to a much healthier life, unburdened by lifetime healthcare costs which can set back a patient with diabetes over $4,000 a year. If you manage the condition early it can drastically reduce complications later in life.”
Australians over the age of 18 are encouraged to give diabetes the finger and take part in these free screenings conducted by qualified pharmacists.
Moree Discount Drug Stores will be offering the screenings on Wednesday, July 18 with walk in appointments also available between July and August. The 15-minute sessions are non-invasive and are an informative session to offer tips and advice on lowering the risk of diabetes.
For more information about Discount Drug Stores, visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au
