Reception for the Diabetes Queensland 50th anniversary

Representatives from Diabetes Queensland; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

Kaye and I take great pleasure in warmly welcoming you to Fernberg this afternoon, in this, the 50th year of Diabetes Queensland. 

For half a century Diabetes Queensland has been providing support and education to Queenslanders living with diabetes, and I commend everyone involved for the exceptional way in which the organisation carries out its role. 

Diabetes Queensland is the only organisation in the State which cares for people with all types of diabetes.

It is often the first port of call for those recently diagnosed.

It is the place people turn to for advice.

It is the voice for people living with diabetes.

Diabetes Queensland’s care and compassion for those impacted by the disease is inspiring, and I acknowledge with gratitude the many people who have supported and contributed to the organisation over the past 50 years.

Today we also recognise the carers of people affected by diabetes – those caring for loved ones after amputation; dealing with the difficulties of kidney and heart disease or blindness; or the everyday issues that arise from insulin dependency.

Our guests at Government House today include young children, working professionals, tradespeople, fit and active men and women – all with one thing in common.

They are living proof that diabetes does not discriminate.

There have been recent breakthroughs in medical technology which can radically change the treatment and management of diabetes, particularly for children.

Nevertheless, a diagnosis of diabetes is hard to hear at any time, and it is especially hard on families.

All of us here are intimately aware that ‘Diabetes concerns every family’, so it is particularly apt to mark World Diabetes Day 2018 with that theme.

There are more families being impacted every year, as the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase.

Currently there are more than 230,000 people living with diabetes, but indications are that one in two people living with the disease remains undiagnosed.

As diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure, and the sixth leading cause of death in Australia, this is of great concern, and I thank Diabetes Queensland for its continued work in raising the level of community awareness and understanding.

For 50 years Diabetes Queensland has tirelessly provided advocacy and education.

As Patron of Diabetes Queensland, I am proud to add my support, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I say ‘Thank you’.