Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, encourages constituents across Wannon and their families to ask their GP to do an annual check for kidney health if they live with diabetes.
Up to 10,470 people live with diabetes in Wannon. Of major concern, the latest research shows that one in five people living with diabetes also has chronic kidney disease.
“Diabetes is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease in Australia; however, most kidney disease can be prevented or delayed if detected early,” Mr Tehan said.
“Unfortunately, only around a quarter of people living with diabetes get their kidneys checked regularly.
“Managing diabetes can be complex and requires a range of health checks, which is why some things slip through the cracks. That is why I am reminding people to get their kidneys checked.”
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when high blood glucose levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
“As more and more blood vessels in the kidney are damaged, it becomes harder for them to do their work filtering blood,” she said.
“Eventually, people may require dialysis or a kidney transplant which has a major impact on a person’s quality of life.”
Diabetes Australia hosted a recent diabetes event at Parliament House to highlight the condition's complications, especially kidney disease.
