Marcia Hines Priceline Pharmacy Diabetes Check Interview

An Estimated 2 Million Australians Are at High Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Pop icon, Marcia Hines, encouraged all Aussies to take advantage of free diabetes checks at Priceline Pharmacy during October in the hopes of reducing type 2 diabetes diagnoses through early detection.

These Diabetes consultations launched at Priceline Pharmacy will continue to be an ongoing service provided by trained Diabetes Advisors in stores. A full list of locations can be found here: https://www.priceline.com.au/mission-health

An estimated 2 million Australians are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are already showing early signs of the condition. While type 1 diabetes can't be prevented or reversed, there are modifiable lifestyle factors including exercise and diet which if improved may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Marcia has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years, and understands the challenges diabetics face when the condition becomes a regular part of life. Marcia is helping to spread awareness about the importance of taking care of yourself and is providing real insight into the effects diabetes can have day-to-day for those with the condition.

There are 1.7 million Australians affected by type 1 and 2 diabetes, and each day 280 Australians are diagnosed with the disease.

Priceline Pharmacist, Amy Sabatini, 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 lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, increased activity and weight loss in abdominal fat, you can help prevent onset of type 2 diabetes," Amy said.

Diabetes consultations launched at Priceline Pharmacy during October and will continue to be an ongoing service provided by trained Diabetes Advisors in stores. A full list of locations can be found here: https://www.priceline.com.au/mission-health

Interview with Marcia Hines

Question: Why did you decide to partner with Priceline Pharmacy to encourage all Aussies to have a free diabetes check?

Marcia Hines: 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.

Importantly, my role in this campaign is also to educate Australians about the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, they are different conditions that require a different management and Priceline Pharmacy can assist with both.


Question: Can you talk us through the diabetes check Priceline Pharmacies are offering?

Marcia Hines: Priceline Pharmacy now has Diabetes Advisors in store who are offering free diabetes checks for type 2 diabetes. In a simple 15 minute chat, they'll be able to assess your risk for potentially developing type 2 diabetes. If you are deemed high risk you'll then have a blood glucose test and receive a referral to a GP. Or for those either Type 1 or 2 diabetes the Diabetes Advisor can chat to you about your management plan.


Question: How does type 1 diabetes affect you on a daily basis?

Marcia Hines: Throughout the day I will test my blood glucose levels and I'm very aware of the need to eat well and exercise regularly. Before I was diagnosed with diabetes I didn't eat well at all, so in many ways being diabetic has made me much more aware of my health and the need to take care of myself.


Question: How have you learnt to manage your type 1 diabetes with your busy schedule?

Marcia Hines: 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. They can offer advice to people already living with both type 1 and 2 diabetes to help empower them with the skills they need to confidently manage their condition which is so important. I've had a long, fulfilling career and have just finished a busy 10-month tour because I have always been diligent in seeking and following the right advice.


Question: What advice do you have for Australians recently diagnosed with diabetes?

Marcia Hines: Visit your nearest Priceline Pharmacy store to take advantage of the free consultations with trained Diabetes Advisors that stores are offering during October. It's important to receive as much professional advice as you can so that you're well equipped for managing your condition. Especially if you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the Diabetes Advisors can also discuss lifestyle habits to ensure you're eating the best foods for your condition and exercising regularly.


Question: What's next for you?

Marcia Hines: 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.

Question: What advice do you have for Australians regarding these Priceline Pharmacy diabetes checks?

Marcia Hines: There are 1.7 million Australians affected by type 1 and 2 diabetes, and each day 280 Australians are diagnosed with the disease. Priceline Pharmacy are hoping to reduce type 2 diabetes diagnoses through early detection – the checks take only 15 minutes and are free, so I'd encourage everyone to head into their nearest store.


Interview by Brooke Hunter