Location AustraliaVictoria, Members 48,000 as of 2016 | Area served Victoria Key people Craig Bennett, CEO | |
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Type Health Promotion Charity | ||
Diabetes Victoria has been the leading charity and peak consumer body working to reduce the impact of diabetes for Victorians since 1953. They support, empower and campaign for Victorians who are affected by type 1 diabetes, Gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, as well as those at risk. They aim to reduce the effect of diabetes in Victoria, to assist with the procurement of diabetes medication, and to find a cure for diabetes.
Campaigns
Diabetes Victoria has had various campaigns to help reduce the cases of diabetes. As a member of the Obesity Policy Coalition, Diabetes Victoria lobbied against tax-payer funded surgeries for controlling weight, such as gastric bypass surgery, claiming that they do not address the root causes of diabetes and for stricter control over the toys given away as part of kids' meals, in an effort to reduce childhood obesity.
They also promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging Victorians to walk more, as a form of exercise.
In addition to working to reduce the number of cases of diabetes, Diabetes Victoria has advocated for adequate treatment for those afflicted by the disease and conducted research aimed at combating the practice of diabetics skipping insulin shots as a means of losing weight.
The 2016 National Diabetes Week campaign 'We are here to help you', builds on the 2015 campaign '280 a day'. ‘We are here to help you!’ is directed to all people affected by and at risk of developing diabetes. The campaign raises awareness for all types of diabetes and shows solutions how to live well with the chronic condition. The message is meant to be uplifting, highlighting how we can work together to ensure diabetes won’t stop anybody living a long and healthy life.