Money needed to continue research into cure for diabetes

"A donation of just $3 for a clip on Barnaby Bee on What's the Buzz Day today (September 8) will give children with diabetes hope that a cure for diabetes is on its way," President of Diabetes Australia- NSW, Dr Neville Howard said today.

"This year we hope to raise $200,000 of desperately needed funds to provide further vital diabetes awareness, education, research and advocacy programs.

"What's the Buzz Day proceeds enabled Diabetes Australia to grant a record $2.5 million to 59 national research projects into diabetes last year.

"Please give generously today because the research programs Diabetes Australia funds take us one step closer to a cure for diabetes."

Using the slogan 'Help take the sting out of diabetes', hundreds of volunteers will fill Sydney train stations today to raise money for Diabetes Australia's annual What's the Buzz Day campaign.

Volunteers will collect donations at the busy Chatswood, Bondi Junction, Hurstville, Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, North Sydney, Circular Quay, Martin Place, QVB, St Leonards and Strathfield stations.

Diabetes Australia- NSW is a non-profit, non-government organisation, which relies heavily on community support to continue its programs that help hundreds of people with diabetes every year.

More than 1.4 million Australians have diabetes, but half don't know they have it - yet.

Dr Howard said What's the Buzz Day was a chance for the public to contribute financially to the fight against diabetes.

"With one person being diagnosed with diabetes every 7 minutes, the situation will get a lot worse before it gets better," Dr Howard said.

"The number of people with type 2 diabetes-the so called lifestyle disease-has doubled in just five years and the number of children with type 2 is increasing at between five and ten percent a year.

"I'm seeing overweight children as young as three for pre-diabetes and children as young as eight with type 2 diabetes. This is a situation we have never been seen before.

"Knowing you family history of type 2 diabetes and the links between type 2 diabetes, obesity, unhealthy eating and lifestyle are the key to preventing the two million people we estimate will develop the disease by 2010."

More funds are needed so badly for diabetes research and education, Prime Minister John Howard and Premier Morris Iemma agreed at the recent COAG meeting to support a plan to make combating the disease a national priority.

The Australian Government and the state and territory governments will begin implementing a five-year, $500 million national package called the Australian Better Health Initiative to reduce the impacts of chronic disease.

This year, 'What's the Buzz Day' is made possible through the generous support of official sponsor, transport company, Toll Priority.

Clip on bees, keyrings and flashing pens will be available at national retail outlets including Best and Less, Blooms The Chemist, Medicare, National Pharmacies, Pharmacist Advice, Soul Pattinsons Chemist and Terry White Chemists throughout the month of September.

Diabetes Australia is looking for volunteers to help sell merchandise. If you would like to volunteer or require further information regarding Barnaby Bee merchandise call Diabetes Australia on 1300 136 588, or visit www.diabetesnsw.com.au.

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ABOUT DIABETES AUSTRALIA-NSW.
Diabetes Australia-NSW is the only charity dealing with all people who have diabetes. Founded in 1937, it is the third oldest diabetes organisation in the world. Its mission is to prevent and find a cure for diabetes and look after all people with diabetes all of their lives. With donations and the support of members, the Association carries out awareness and education programs, funds research and through advocacy, fights discrimination against people with diabetes. Diabetes Australia-NSW has 50,000 members. For more information contact-1300 136588 or www.diabetesnsw.com.au