Following the celebration of World Diabetes Day over the weekend, the Australian Diabetes Council issued a reminder of the things that Australian can do to prevent Australia's fastest growing chronic illness.

Diabetes is a chronic disease diagnosed when there are abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. In Australia, more than three million or one in four Australian adults over the age of 25 have either diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes).

Australian Diabetes Council CEO Nicola Stokes: "Alarmingly, one Australian is diagnosed with diabetes every seven minutes which translates to over 200 new cases of diabetes every day. While we can't change all of the risks, there are steps that all Australians can take to protect themselves and their families from Type Two diabetes, which accounts for 85-90% of diabetes cases in Australia."

There are two main types: Type One (insulin dependent) diabetes, which represents 10-15% of cases; and Type Two which is non-insulin dependent but may also require insulin and which represents 85-90% of cases and may be prevented in around 60% of people at risk.

Five things all Australians can do to prevent Type Two diabetes:

1. Reduce weight by at least 5%

2. Increase physical activity (aim for at least 30 minutes a day)

3. Reduce total and saturated fat intake

4. Increase fibre intake

5. Don't smoke

Australian Diabetes Council is the charity organisation for people with diabetes in NSW. It raises funds for research and provides information services, as well as practical support for people living with diabetes in NSW, and education and lifestyle programs to help keep Australians healthy and prevent the development of the disease

Australians are also encouraged to assess their risk through the AUSDRISK questionnaire developed by the AustralianGovernment Department of Health and Aging. Visit www.australiandiabetescouncil.com and follow the link to check your score.