As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Health Measures Survey, 1 in 15 Australian adults is living with diabetes. The ABS also included the details on the number of Australians who showed signs of kidney disease, vitamin D deficiencies and other potential chronic illnesses.

The survey also noted a total 6.6% of Australians over the age of 18 have diabetes. There is also an increase of 1.5% when compared to a decade ago.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition that happens when there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. This is because your body is unable to process it correctly. When someone is diabetes-free, the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin that helps move sugar into the cells of the body. However, with someone with diabetes, the pancreas either does not make enough insulin or the body does not use it well. This leads to sugar build up in the blood.

Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes

Diabetes has become a significant health challenge in Australia, with the number of diagnosed individuals rising to 1.3 million between 2000 and 2021. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that men are more likely to have diabetes than women. Additionally, adults living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are at a higher risk of developing the condition. These figures highlight the growing burden of diabetes on individuals and healthcare systems nationwide.

Apart from diagnosed cases, an estimated 500,000 Australians may be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. The National Health Measures Survey also found that 2.7% of adults are at high risk of developing diabetes. The prevalence of undiagnosed cases suggests a need for increased awareness, screening, and early intervention to prevent complications.

What Could Be The Risk Factors?

Several health risk factors contribute to diabetes, including a high body mass index (BMI), large waist circumference, smoking, and high blood pressure. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to exhibit multiple risk factors compared to those without the condition. However, data also shows that 88.9% of people with diabetes are non-smokers, and 70.5% maintain normal blood pressure levels. These findings align with the management goals set by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

How Can Diabetes Be Managed?

Lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that up to 58% of cases can be delayed or prevented through healthier choices. However, approximately 42% of cases are linked to genetic factors, making prevention challenging for some individuals. Reducing the stigma around diabetes is essential to encourage at-risk individuals to seek medical advice and support without fear of judgment.

Cholesterol and Vitamin D Deficiency Trends

The AIHW health survey also examined cholesterol levels and vitamin D deficiencies among Australians. Around 30.2% of adults have high cholesterol, with women more likely to be affected than men. Additionally, 17.8% of adults have cholesterol levels close to abnormal.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good cholesterol," plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol to the liver for breakdown. However, 14.9% of Australians have an abnormally low HDL level, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Seasonal Variations in Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is another widespread health concern, affecting 20.6% of adults. Seasonal variations impact deficiency rates, with 26.1% of adults experiencing low vitamin D levels in winter, compared to 15.5% in summer. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and muscle function, and severe deficiencies can lead to brittle bones and other health issues.

Every two seconds, someone in the world needs blood—but far too few people step forward to donate. Whether it’s for accident victims, cancer patients, or those undergoing major surgeries, the demand for safe, healthy blood is constant and often urgent. Yet many potential donors hesitate, held back by fear, misinformation, or uncertainty. On World Blood Donor Day and beyond, it’s time to break down those doubts, understand the life-saving impact of one donation, and discover how giving blood could be easier—and more rewarding—than you think.

While blood donation is widely regarded as an act of altruism, what often goes unnoticed is the remarkable impact it has—not just on the recipients, but also on the donors themselves. Despite major awareness campaigns, myths and fears still prevent a significant portion of eligible individuals from rolling up their sleeves.

Every single blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. According to Dr. Lopita Bhattacharya, a medical officer blood bank at BM Birla Heart Hospital, “One pint of donated blood is separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets, each of which can be administered to patients based on individual needs—be it trauma victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, or those with chronic blood disorders.”

At any NABH-accredited blood bank, no part of donated blood goes to waste. “Safety, accuracy, and quality are given utmost priority. The entire process is handled with the latest technology and rigorous screening,” she adds.

Dr. Umakant Mokalikar, Blood Centre Incharge at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune echoes the sentiment. “There is no substitute for human blood. Every donor plays a vital role in the healthcare system, especially in emergencies. Blood donation is truly a humanitarian act.”

Busting Common Myths Around Blood Donation

Despite awareness, misinformation continues to hinder blood donation drives. Experts say that correcting these myths is the first step to building a more robust and reliable donor base.

Myth 1: Blood donation makes you weak.

Fact: “The fluid components are replaced within 24 hours, and red blood cells regenerate within weeks,” says Dr. Bhattacharya. Healthy men can safely donate every 3 months; women, every 4 months.

Myth 2: The process is painful or too time-consuming.

Fact: “The blood draw itself only takes 8–10 minutes. Including the screening and post-donation rest, the entire visit wraps up in under 45 minutes,” Dr. Bhattacharya clarifies.

Myth 3: Only rare blood types are needed.

Fact: Common blood types are often in higher demand due to their compatibility across patient populations. “Every blood type is essential—be it for surgeries, maternity care, or injuries,” she notes.

Myth 4: Older adults or thin individuals should not donate.

Fact: If you're between 18–65 years, in good health, and meet minimum weight and hemoglobin thresholds, you’re eligible. First-time donors can donate until age 60.

Myth 5: Women can't donate blood.

Fact: “Aside from temporary conditions like menstruation or lactation, women can and should donate blood if they meet eligibility,” Dr. Mokalikar emphasizes.

Myth 6: Blood donation may cause infections.

Fact: The process uses sterile, one-time-use equipment. “There’s zero risk of catching infections,” he reassures.

Are There Any Health Benefits for Donors?

Donating blood is not just a selfless gesture; it comes with tangible health perks.

Improved heart health: “Regular donation helps lower iron overload in the body, which is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Dr. Bhattacharya shares.

Calorie burn: One blood donation session can burn around 600–650 calories, similar to a light workout.

Stimulates red blood cell production: “Donation encourages bone marrow to generate fresh red cells, helping keep your circulatory system active,” she explains.

A mini health screening: Donors undergo blood pressure, hemoglobin, and pulse checks. Blood is also screened for infections like HIV, Hepatitis B & C, providing an early warning system for the donor’s own health.

Mental well-being: “The psychological benefit—knowing you’ve potentially saved lives—releases endorphins and improves mood,” adds Dr. Mokalikar.

What Happens To Your Body After Donating Blood?

Once donated, your blood is processed into three core components:

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs): Used in trauma, surgeries, and patients with anemia or cancer.

Platelet Concentrates: Vital for patients with clotting disorders, infections, or undergoing chemotherapy.

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP): Used in patients with liver failure or bleeding disorders.

This separation maximizes the utility of a single donation—reaching three different patients with three different medical needs.

According to WHO, less than 1% of the eligible population donates blood in many countries—a number that needs urgent improvement. “If more people come forward regularly, hospitals will have the reserves to act swiftly during crises like accidents, natural disasters, or major surgeries,” urges Dr. Mokalikar.

He adds, “Blood donation is not a one-time favor. Men can donate every 3 months, and women every 4 months. Routine donations help keep blood stocks consistent and reliable.”

Blood donation is one of the most powerful acts of human kindness, and one of the simplest. The entire process—from screening to actual donation and rest—takes less than an hour but leaves a lasting impact. As Dr. Bhattacharya puts it, “It’s free, it’s safe, and it helps others while improving your own health. Why wait?”

Twins or multiple births are a rare occurrence. According to Twins Trust the likelihood of giving birth to twins is about one in 250, which is about 0.5%. While being a twin may be rare, them experiencing the same illness may cause many people to be shocked.

Ryan and Sean Collard, twin brothers from Hetton-Le-Hole, faced the same devastating cancer diagnosis within months of each other. Both have bravely overcome the disease and are now using their experiences to help other men. They've launched a men's health page dedicated to raising awareness about testicular cancer and offering support to young men going through similar struggles.

Ryan's Fight: Dismissed and Diagnosed

Ryan, who is now a primary school teacher, recalls being initially dismissed by a doctor who told him he was "too young" for cancer when he first reported his symptoms. He had severe issues, including passing out multiple times a day and half his body going numb, which eventually led to him being rushed to the hospital twice.

After pushing for answers through multiple appointments, Ryan, at just 23, was finally diagnosed with stage three choriocarcinoma, an aggressive form of testicular cancer. He shared on their joint Instagram page, 'Cancer Lads,' how frustrating it was to be initially brushed off.

Sean's Diagnosis and Their Shared Mission

Just as Ryan was recovering from his aggressive cancer, his twin brother, Sean, received his own devastating diagnosis of a less aggressive form of testicular cancer. Sean underwent surgery and chemotherapy and has since gone on to have two children. Ryan, now 31, is also married with a son, thanks to fertility treatment.

Ryan emphasized the power of connection, telling Chronicle Live, "It was only when I met other men who had a similar lived experience I felt really able to talk freely and feel properly understood. That is why I started an Instagram account." He wanted to create a space where others could find that same sense of understanding and release emotions.

Twins And Health Issues

There has always been a great interest in surrounding twins and their health. Questions like, ‘do both twins get affected if one of them sick?’ often occur to people. A 2023 study published in the Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. It shows that twins do face a higher risk of health complications compared to singletons, due to their risk of being born earlier.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than 60% of twins, and almost all higher-order multiples (like triplets or quadruplets), are born early, which means before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The more babies there are, the earlier they tend to arrive.

Babies from multiple pregnancies have about double the risk of being born with certain problems, including issues with the spine and brain (like spina bifida), digestive system, and heart.

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is also a cause of concern. This serious condition only happens with identical twins who share a single placenta. In about 15% of these cases, blood vessels in the placenta connect in a way that one twin gets too much blood (the "recipient"), and the other twin doesn't get enough (the "donor"). This can overload the recipient twin's heart and lead to too much amniotic fluid, while the donor twin will have very little fluid.

Why Talking Matters: A Call for Men to Speak Up

The brothers' story highlights a critical issue: men often delay seeking help for health concerns. Data from Macmillan confirms this, showing that nearly half (48%) of men in their 30s admit they wait for health problems to disappear on their own. This figure is twice as high as men aged 60 or over, underscoring the vital importance for men, especially younger ones, to open up and talk about their health.

With the constant rising temperatures, many people are worried about their health and wellbeing. Heat related illness have become the main source of concern for many people, as they look for better ways to navigate in the heat. Different countries have published heat guidelines to ensure citizens do not fall ill. It is very important to know the signs of and symptoms of these heat-illnesses as they could save your life!

One such symptom could be a major cause of concern. The National Health Services UK explains that people who are experiencing heatstroke need to be on alert. If the symptoms do not get better withing 30 minutes, you must call for help.

When to Seek Emergency Help

According to the NHS, if someone shows signs of heatstroke and is still unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled down, and drinking fluids, you should contact emergency services. While heat exhaustion often improves on its own within 30 minutes of cooling down, if it progresses to heatstroke, it becomes a medical emergency.

The NHS explicitly states: "Call 999 now if you or someone else have signs of heatstroke, including still [being] unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids."

Heat Alert Issued for Parts of England

This week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a yellow heat alert for certain areas of England, warning that even moderate temperatures could be dangerous. The Met Office predicts temperatures could reach up to 30°C in the East of England, East Midlands, London, and Southeast regions.

The UKHSA emphasized that "whilst temperatures may not seem too high for the general population for now, data from UKHSA shows that even at these forecasted temperatures, vulnerable groups and health care services can be impacted."

Under the UKHSA and Met Office's Weather-Health alerting system, a yellow alert indicates potential impacts such as:

• Increased demand on healthcare services from vulnerable groups.
• A higher health risk for individuals over 65 years old or those with existing health conditions, like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke

It's crucial to understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as the latter requires immediate emergency attention. Signs of Heat Exhaustion include:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Excessive sweating; skin may be pale and clammy or develop a heat rash (note: changes in skin color can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
• Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
• Fast breathing or heartbeat
• A high temperature
• Feeling very thirsty
• Weakness
• If these symptoms don't improve after 30 minutes of cooling down, it could be progressing to heatstroke.
• What to do for Heat Exhaustion (to prevent heatstroke)

If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, immediately move them to a cool place and remove any unnecessary clothing, such as jackets or socks. Encourage them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or simply cool water. To help lower their body temperature, cool their skin by spraying or sponging them with cool water and fanning them. You can also apply cold packs, wrapped in a cloth, to their armpits or neck.

To stay safe when it's hot, the UKHSA also recommends a few key things. Try to stay out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, which is usually the hottest part of the day. Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun. If you do go outside, cover up with appropriate clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, seek shade, and remember to apply sunscreen often. Plan any physical activities like exercise or walking your dog for cooler times, such as the early morning or evening.