Will you take on the challenge?
The 4 for Diabetes challenge is about saying 4 words – thinner, thirsty, tired, toilet – 4 times in 4 seconds. What’s so special about those 4 words? They are the early warning signs of type 1 diabetes.
To take the challenge simply –
- Film yourself saying the 4 words – thinner, thirsty, tired, toilet – 4 times in 4 seconds. (Remember to include your time!)
- Share your video on social media using the hashtag: #4fordiabetes – copy paste the caption below if you don’t know what to write!
- Dare 4 friends to participate in the challenge.
- Donate $10 to Diabetes Victoria to help fund research.
donate here
Not sure what to write on your post? Copy and paste the caption below!
“I took the #4fordiabetes challenge to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and donated $10 to fund vital diabetes research at: diabetesvic.org.au/4fordiabetes. Will you? (Add your four friends names here -@name @name @name @name)"
Why should you do the 4 for Diabetes challenge?
In Australia, more than 124,000 people are living with type 1 diabetes. Every year, approximately 3,400 Australian children and adults are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
By taking the 4 for Diabetes challenge, you can help raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and raise funds for vital diabetes research.
Funds raised will go towards diabetes research. Click here to see a list of research projects that Diabetes Victoria is currently funding.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system destroys the cells that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes often develops in children and young adults but can occur at any age. There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes. It is a serious and life-long condition.
Knowing the 4Ts – thinner, thirsty, tired, toilet – as signs of type 1 diabetes, is important. This can support early diagnosis. However, this does not prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes. While progress is being made, there is currently no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Why is funding research important?
Prior to the discovery of insulin 100 years ago, type 1 diabetes was a fatal condition. Fast forward to today, research discoveries are bringing us closer to preventing and curing type 1 diabetes altogether.
In fact, a recent breakthrough showed that immune therapy can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes by up to two years in high-risk adults and children. Diabetes Australia Research Program grant recipient Associate Professor John Wentworth led the Australian arm of the study. Diabetes Victoria is a major supporter of the Diabetes Australia Research Program.
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Useful information
If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, Diabetes Victoria is here to help.
- For information for newly diagnosed click here.
- NDSS Helpline: 1800 637 700
- Diabetes Victoria: 1300 437 386
Diabetes Victoria would like to acknowledge other campaigns including:
https://www.itsabouttime.org.au
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/campaigning/4-ts-campaign
About Diabetes Victoria
Diabetes Victoria’s mission is to support, empower and campaign for all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes. Since 1953 Diabetes Victoria has been the leading charity and peak consumer body working to reduce the impact of diabetes. For more information about the work we do, or how you can support us, visit: diabetesvic.org.au
Diabetes Victoria is pleased to advise that a total of 84 cents from every dollar donated directly funds much needed research, programs and services – for the benefit of all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes. This is well above the industry benchmark. More information is available at Consumer Affairs Victoria’s website here.