Diabetes Australia Donation 2025
A group photo of the Diabetes Australia team, who were together from across the country and received our donation.
Diabetes Australia was established in 1984 and is the national body for people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk.
The funds raised by Fella Hamilton will support research projects focused on extending both the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with diabetes.
Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century and the biggest challenge facing Australia’s health system.
As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we also recognise the tireless dedication of the organisation's staff—whose work is changing lives every day—and had the privilege of speaking with Simon Flowerdew, National Manager – Fundraising.
1. What is your role at Diabetes Australia?
I’m the National Manager – Fundraising and have been in the role for 7 months. My goal is to ensure Diabetes Australia is efficient and effective in its fundraising function so that all fundraising needs are met and all programs and services currently provided can be scaled up to have a greater impact for people living with diabetes across Australia.
2. What is Diabetes & what are the main differences between each diabetes type?
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood and the body can’t make insulin, enough insulin or is not effectively using the insulin it does make. There are 3 main types of diabetes. • Type 1: occurs when your body attacks your insulin-producing beta cells, and you can no longer produce your own insulin. If you need insulin from the start, then you have type 1 diabetes • Type 2: develops over a period of years as your pancreas stops producing insulin, or the insulin you produce stops working effectively. Risk factors include age, lifestyle, and cultural background • Gestational diabetes: is diagnosed during a pregnancy.
3. How will the funds raised by Fella Hamilton & its customers be used?
The funds raised by Fella Hamilton will benefit our research projects that focus on extending the life, and quality of life, for people living with diabetes.
4. What are some of the signs that someone could have diabetes?
Diabetes Australia lists the four T's to describe symptoms of type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition often with a sudden, critical onset:
- Tiredness: Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Thirst: Excessive thirst, even after drinking
- Toilet: Frequent urination, especially at night
- Thinness: Unexplained weight loss
However, some people who develop type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms at all. Sometimes the symptoms are mild and are dismissed as just getting older or feeling rundown. It’s very important to ask your doctor to check for diabetes during regular checkups, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of diabetes or are overweight.
5. What are some of the common misconceptions about diabetes?
There are many:
- Diabetes is not serious
- All types of diabetes are the same
- Diabetes can be prevented
- You must be overweight or obese to develop diabetes
- You only get type 1 diabetes when you’re young
- You only get type 2 diabetes when you’re old
- People with diabetes can’t eat dessert
- People with type 1 diabetes can’t participate in sports or exercise
- No one in my family has diabetes so I don’t have to worry
- People with diabetes are unsafe drivers
- Only people with type 1 diabetes need insulin.
6. Does diabetes affect people over 60 years more so & if so, why?
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes that can’t be changed include:
- Age (people over 40 have a higher risk and the risk increases with age)
- Family history of diabetes
- Ethnicity and cultural background (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island, Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background)
- History of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome
Risk factors you can change include:
- Carrying excess weight (especially if this weight is around your middle)
- Being physically inactive
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood.
7. What can the older generation, in particular, do to prevent diabetes?
Living an active and healthy lifestyle, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, can protect older people from type 2 diabetes. Being overweight, especially around your waistline, increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and losing weight is one way you can help prevent the condition. Carrying extra weight around your middle means fat can build up around organs and cause insulin resistance, which means the insulin your body produces doesn’t work properly. There are no quick fixes when it comes to reducing your waist size but small changes in your diet (such as reducing your portion size) and regular physical activity are important factors in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
8. Does Diabetes Australia offer services specifically for the older age groups?
Diabetes Australia offers a range of type 2 diabetes prevention programs and services, both nationally and locally but not specific to age. For example, in Queensland, My Health for Life is a free, lifestyle change initiative for Queenslanders who are at high risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This program is delivered in six or more coaching sessions by a qualified Health Coach aimed at helping individuals discover ways of changing day-to-day behaviour.
9. Are women more affected by diabetes than men? Why could gender have an impact?
Gestational diabetes is the fastest growing diabetes in Australia and affects women during pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes and their offspring are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women. This is because men tend to store fat in their stomach area, which is a known risk factor.
10. How can someone donate or assist Diabetes Australia?
To donate to Diabetes Australia, please visit Make a donation | Diabetes Australia or if you would like to fundraise, please click here: Fundraise for us - Get involved - Diabetes Australia.
If anyone has any questions about donating, please email the friendly Fundraising Team at fundraising@diabetesaustralia.com.au.
Additionally, you can join Diabetes YOUnited, our new membership program to support all Australians on their diabetes journey.
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