Diabetes and kidney disease is on the rise in Australia.

The Jimmy Little Foundation was set up to combat the upward curve of the disease and associated health problems among Australian Indigenous people through education and awareness.

Through various programs that promote healthy living and preventative education projects, the message is stretching across the land that good tucker leads to a long life.

Diabetes can strike you down and really reduce your quality of life, but it can be managed and it can be avoided. Look for low GI foods which are those with a low glycemic index and releases the energy from food over time, so you can stay active and alert longer. Those foods that are a "sugar hit" give a big boost of energy in your body that burns out really quickly and then you need more fuel to keep going.

Some of the things to look out for in your own body and your family members include: 

• Feeling tired or weak
• Go to the toilet a lot
• Feeling thirsty
• Leg cramps
• Feeling itchy
• Sores and boils that won’t heal
• Blurry vision
• Pins and needles
• Feeling grumpy or angry

(Find out more: Diabetes Australia)

Check out the links on this page to discover more about diabetes and kidney disease and how you can help yourself and your family lead a long and healthy life.

If you are concerned about yourself or one of your family members, do these simple assessments to discover if you are at risk. Ultimately, you should see your doctor regularly to stay healthy and live a long life.

Department of Health and Ageing assessment tool.
Australian General Practice assessment tool