Over 1.3 million Australians are currently living with diabetes and Lions Clubs volunteers across the country are on a mission to do what they can to reduce the prevalence and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed.
In the lead-up to World Diabetes Day on 14 November, Lions Clubs across Australia will host Lions Lap the Map walks and events in their local communities.
The community walks aim to raise awareness of diabetes and rally communities, healthcare professionals, and individuals alike to work towards a healthier and more vibrant future for all Australians.
With the help of communities across Australia, Lions Clubs Australia aims to have a combined distance travelled that will exceed Australia’s circumference 25,760kms – by World Diabetes Day on 14 November.
Lions National Diabetes Coordinator Pat Mills says Diabetes is a primary focus for Lions, and the organisation is committed to doing what it can to help reduce the impact of the disease in the community.
“Across Australia, 1.3 million people have been diagnosed with Diabetes and 283 people are diagnosed every day,” Pat Mills said.
“The disease can lead to serious health issues affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth.
“In most high-income countries, Diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation. It’s expected to affect 629 million adults by 2045,” Pat continued.
“Early diagnosis, optimal treatment and effective ongoing support and management reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications and in recent years Lions Clubs across Australia have been focused on raising awareness and funds to support more vital research into the diagnoses and treatment.
“Our Lions Lap the Map family-friendly walks and campaigns in the community encourage people to get outside and have a walk to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of the Diabetes epidemic in Australia.”
“From events in shopping centres and gyms to walks in parks with healthy food, diabetes screenings for attendees and informative health professionals there’s a range of different types of events held as part of the Lap the Map campaign.
“We encourage people to keep an eye out and if you’re local Lions Club is having an event consider going along.
They are usually very informative and a great day out for the entire family,” Pat Mills added.
Lions volunteers pay annual membership fees to cover admin costs which means 100% of funds donated to your local Lions Club go directly towards the cause.
For more information on Lions visit: https://lionsclubs.org.au
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
