Most Australians struggle with recognising symptoms of diabetes based on the results of a new survey. Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in the country and one of the complications of obesity.

A survey commissioned by Medibank 24/7 Health Advice Line on the night of National Diabetes Week shows 97 per cent of Australians do not know how to pinpoint major symptoms of diabetes.

According to the survey, almost one in five people does not know obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. Two thirds of the respondents do not know that the development of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed with proper diet and exercise.

Nicola Stokes, CEO of Australian Diabetes Council (ADC), said Australians recognise symptoms of Type 1 diabetes like excessive thirst. However, some symptoms of Type 2 diabetes were more difficult for Australians to spot.

Stokes said Type 2 diabetes symptoms include fatigue, lethargic and everything else becomes difficult. She said these are mostly felt by Australians these days as part of life.

The new poll of Australian Diabetes Council members indicated diabetes was becoming a factor in the election. Members of the council ranked diabetes management as a top issue even more important than cost of living, employment and relationships.

According to ADC data, one Australian is diagnosed with diabetes every five minutes.

Stokes said the dismal result is a cry for help and the government should take notice. The survey only shows that most Australians lacked awareness when it comes to diabetes.

Stokes also said the people want tools to manage diabetes and help their children avoid developing the same condition. She believes more resources should be directed towards health programs to prevent diabetes.

The Australian Diabetes Council says 60 per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented. The cost of treating a patient with diabetes complications could be as high as $16,700 a year.

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