Singer Marcia Hines: "I've Lived With Diabetes For 30 Years"

Pop icon Marcia Hines has thrown her support behind an exciting new initiative with Priceline Pharmacists and Diabetes Australia.

Having been a type one diabetic for 30 years, she wants others to be better educated about the health risks of diabetes and to take advantage of free diabetes checkups at Priceline this month.

The importance of this is that early detection will prevent the development of the disease.

The Carousel had a chance to interview Marcia Hines ton find out more about the campaign and her life as a diabetic but first here are some sobering facts about diabetes.

In Australia, an estimated 2 million Aussies have been diagnosed to be at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and are already showing signs and symptoms. On the other hand, Type 1 Diabetes can’t be prevented or reversed, however, this can be controlled with a modified lifestyle – exercise and diet – which if improved will help in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Marcia, Why have you teamed up with Priceline and Diabetes Australia?

I’ve partnered with Priceline Pharmacy because diabetes is a condition that affects so many Australians, and many people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By using my profile I’m able to help raise awareness for the importance of taking care of your health, and I’m urging all Australians to take advantage of free diabetes checks at Priceline Pharmacy during October in the hope of reducing diabetes related complications through early detection.

How do you manage type 1 diabetes with a busy schedule and what’s your advice to others who have also been diagnosed?

I’ve lived with diabetes for 30 years now, and I know what I need to do to manage my condition. This includes eating well, frequent exercise and checking my blood sugars regularly.

As a diabetic, I know how important it is to receive support and guidance around managing the condition, which is why the in-store checks with trained diabetes advisors at all Priceline Pharmacy stores are so important – they enable people to take control of their own health care for a better health outcome.

Why are you encouraging people to have a free consultation with a trained diabetes advisor at Priceline this month?

Diabetes is something most people think will never happen to them, but the reality is 1.7 million Australians are at risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. The more education and awareness there is about the condition and how to reduce the risk of diagnosis, the more chance there is to prevent further cases of type 2 diabetes. For people who already have diabetes (type 1 or 2), education around management techniques are essential for a better health outcome and to avoid complications that can arise from the disease.

What are you working on next and what are your latest tour plans?

I’m currently touring with my show ‘Disco Inferno’ and will be performing aboard Cruise ‘N’ Groove as it sails the South Pacific in a couple of weeks. In December I’ll also be touring nationally with A Day on The Green which also includes KC and the Sunshine Band, the Village People and Sister Sledge.

Priceline:

Priceline Pharmacist Distribution Operations Amy Sabbatini says, “Proper management of diabetes results in a better quality of life for diabetics and decreases diabetes-related complications such as heart attacks, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, limb amputations and depression. However, with sustained 1 Diabetes Australia website data lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, increased activity and weight loss in abdominal fat, you can help prevent onset of type 2 diabetes,” Amy said.