NATURE OF THE PROBLEM

Diabetes is chracterised by high blood levels of glucose, caused by deficient production of inulin and / or resistance to is action. There are four main categories of diabetes:

- Type 1-diabetes Insulin dependant - This is a complete deficiency of insulin in the body.

- Type 2-diabetes non-insulin dependant.

- Gestational diabetes - occurs in women during pregnancy. It greatly increases chance of developing diabetes later in life.

- Other Types - There have been other uncommon forms of diabetes in Australia, mainly secondary to other biological and metabolic.

THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM

It is estimated, according to the International Diabetes Institute, that approximately 800 000 Australians have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. This figure is expected to rise over 1 million within the next 15 to 20 years. The prevalence of diabetes increases with age. Type 1-diabetes is more common in ages up to 34 years, from there...