D-Day Sacrifices and a Modern Epidemic: A Stark Comparison
With the recent anniversary of D-Day, thoughts turned to another battle, albeit more silent. This battle is against diabetes, a condition reaching epidemic proportions in Australia. It claims lives not in a single day but steadily over years, and it’s just not being talked about enough!
The Sacrifice of D-Day
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, storming the beaches of Normandy. This event, known as D-Day, marked a pivotal turn in World War II but came at a staggering human cost. In just one day, the Allies suffered approximately 4,000 to 9,000 casualties, including those killed, wounded, or missing in action.
The Rising Tide of Diabetes in Australia
Fast forward to present-day Australia, where a different battle rages. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is reaching epidemic proportions and becoming a major public health challenge. According to Diabetes Australia, there are currently around 1.7 million Australians living with diabetes, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases.
This number has been rising steadily and shows no signs of abating. Unlike the abrupt and violent losses of D-Day, diabetes inflicts a slow, persistent toll, deteriorating lives over time. But more to the point, the efforts to date to halt this epidemic do not appear to be working!
Comparing the Human Cost
While the comparison between the Normandy landings and the diabetes epidemic may seem disparate at first glance, both scenarios reflect significant losses of life and health. The approximately 9,000 casualties of D-Day represent a concentrated, tragic loss within a single day. In contrast, the diabetes epidemic in Australia results in a persistent, ongoing loss.
According to the AIHW National Mortality Database, in 2021, diabetes was the underlying cause of around 5,400 deaths. However, it contributed to around 19,300 deaths (11.2% of all deaths) when associated causes are also considered (AIHW 2021e)
A graphic in a 2022 report generated by Diabetes Australia clearly illustrates the collateral damage of diabetes. Given we are now mid 2024, the figures are probably closer to losing 60 people a day, or 420 people a week!!
The Cost to Society
We must never forget the sacrifices of D-Day paved the way for the eventual liberation of Europe, significantly influencing the course of world history.
In contrast, the diabetes epidemic imposes a tremendous ongoing economic burden. According to a 2022 report by Diabetes Australia, the costs to the Australian healthcare system will blow out to an estimated $45 billion annually by 2050. This includes direct healthcare costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity and disability. The financial strain is compounded by the emotional and social impacts on individuals and their families.
The Path Forward
The memory of D-Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through collective action. Similarly, addressing the diabetes epidemic in Australia requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Public health initiatives focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, early diagnosis, and effective management of diabetes are crucial.
Education campaigns to raise awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes, along with improved access to healthcare and support services, can also help mitigate the impact of this chronic disease.
It’s time that the focus of the establishment shifted from just disease management to prevention, and we believe NutriKane™ can be a key player in changing the stakes. As a company we’ve spent the past fourteen years developing a unique, safe range of Food-as-Medicine products that have been scientifically validated and formulated to naturally lower and control blood sugar levels; lower the GI of meals; reduce chronic systemic inflammation; improve gut microbiome diversity; support regularity and a common side effect is often weight loss.
The products have enormous potential to reverse the impact that diabetes is currently having within the Australian community, and we invite you to explore them at www.nutrikane.com.au