(PRWEB) November 1, 2006 -- Nearly 200 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent non-contagious diseases in the world. In Australia, it's estimated that 1 in every 20 people is diabetic.
Despite the prevalence of diabetes, it can often be a struggle for diabetics to find useful information about symptoms and strategies to effectively manage their condition.
This is what led diabetes education advocate Stephanie Jakobi to begin interviewing some of the top diabetes experts from around the world, and making these interviews available to people in Australia and worldwide via The Official Diabetes Blog™.
"The internet is such a powerful tool for finding answers," Jakobi explains. "It's great way for people all over the world to get together and to find the information they're looking for."
Since its launch, The Official Diabetes Blog™ has been warmly welcomed by diabetes sufferers. Health professionals are using this medium as a way of assisting people looking for answers on the internet, before consulting their G.P.
Patrick Ball, Professor of Rural and Remote Pharmacy at Charles Sturt University, is one of these experts who was keen to share his insights on diabetes. And in a recent interview published by The Official Diabetes Blog™ he debunks some common 'diabetes myths'.
One of these 'diabetes myths' is the common belief that Type 2 diabetes is caused by poor lifestyle habits.
"We're eating a diet and having a lifestyle which is heavily predisposing us to this condition." Professor Ball explains. "However, people need to understand that just because they get type 2 diabetes, it doesn't necessarily mean they've done something wrong. It can still depend a lot upon your family history and genetics."
Professor Ball also looks at the misconception that high overall body fat predisposes people to Type 2 diabetes.
Rather, there is a specific area where fat build-up can indicate an increased diabetes risk. This 'danger area' can be found around your belly, roughly ten centimeters above your belt line.
A free downloadable version of this interview with Professor Patrick Ball can be found on The Official Diabetes Blog™ web-site at http://www.OfficialDiabetesBlog.com/interviews [http://www.OfficialDiabetesBlog.com/interviews __title__ Diabetes Interviews
In 2002, the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study (AusDiab) discovered 1 million Australians were living with diabetes, and this figure is due to rise to 1.5 million by 2010. It's critical that Australians know the warning signs they should look out for, before it's too late.
Anyone who suspects they may be at risk of diabetes should still consult their G.P. to obtain an accurate diagnosis, and if necessary begin taking measures to lower their diabetes risk.
The Official Diabetes Blog™ is committed to providing the most up-to-date information about diabetes to the general public, sourced from industry professionals and the diabetic community.
www.OfficialDiabetesBlog.com believes that awareness, education and contemporary research are the key elements in combating diabetes.
###
