Yarn Bombing for Diabetes Awareness
The Yarn Bombing Project was an innovative concept established by Jules Minors in Moree, bringing health, art and community together by wrapping trees in colourful hand knitted and crocheted designs. The first diabetes awareness tree is located on the grounds of Moree hospital and is a tribute to all people in the community who have diabetes and their carers. It was created as part of the Diabetes Alliance Rural week activities in 2023.
The diabetes awareness tree installation at the John Hunter Hospital coincides with 2024 National Diabetes Week. This year, Diabetes Australia is shining a light on the impact of diabetes technology and what needs to be done to improve access, leading to a future where diabetes can do no harm. Diabetes is a silent epidemic with 314 people diagnosed with diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians. Many people go undiagnosed and when they become unwell, diabetes has already caused irreversible damage.
The tree decoration was created by the GNS-CACS Diabetes Education Team, the Diabetes Alliance Team (DAP+), ICCAP services and Podiatry. Our yarn-bombed trees aim to raise awareness and give people an opportunity to assess their risk. They can access a diabetes risk tool through a QR code attached to the trees. The GNS Diabetes Service technology team were in attendance on Thursday 18 July, to answer questions from staff, patients and visitors to the hospital.
For further information about Diabetes and individual risk:
· Assess your risk using the AUSDRISK tool - Risk Calculator | Diabetes Australia
· Speak to your GP
· Visit the Diabetes Australia website https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
Data references
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
Diabetes: Australian facts, All diabetes - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)
National Diabetes Services Scheme