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For Mary Johnson, diabetes means frequent doctor appointments and not being able to eat the food she loves.

Mrs Johnson was diagnosed with type two diabetes 20 years ago and has changed her lifestyle to accommodate the condition.

It now means being careful with what she eats, taking medication and attending doctor and specialist appointments across town.

She’s also part of Shepparton Diabetes Support Group where she gets advice on her condition.

‘‘You can’t eat what you want, you get tired and you run around to doctors all the time to get your eyes checked and your feet checked and everything else,’’ Mrs Johnson said.

‘‘It’s a pain. Some days you can work and some days you can’t.’’

Goulburn Valley Health diabetes educator Rhonda Marino said 4.5 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed each week in Shepparton and people needed to be aware lifestyle, exercise and healthy eating were vital in preventing many cases of diabetes.

‘‘We’re all moving a bit less and eating a bit more,’’ she said.

‘‘We’re busier, we don’t have time to be active, we don’t have time to be healthy. It’s not just the number of fast food outlets we have — that’s part of a combination of factors.’’

Mrs Marino said people also needed to be aware of impaired glucose intolerance — otherwise known as pre-diabetes. It is estimated there are 19 000 people who suffer from impaired glucose intolerance in the Shepparton region.

Primary Care Connect diabetes educator Sue Crowther said diabetes was also becoming more common in rural farmers because of the changing nature of technology.

‘‘With farming now, a lot of things are automated,’’ she said. ‘‘They work hard, but they’re not as active as they used to be.’’

A regional expo on diabetes has been organised for next week to celebrate World Diabetes Day. Primary Care Connect, Goulburn Valley Health and the Shepparton Diabetes Support Group have teamed up to offer information to the public about diabetes prevention and management.

The expo will cover physical activity, nutrition, diabetes risk factors, management and information about diabetes products and local support services.

The Diabetes Regional Expo is on Wednesday next week from 1 pm to 6 pm at Shepparton Sports Stadium on Numurkah Rd. Entry is a gold coin donation. For more information, phone Sue or Renata at Primary Care Connect on 5823 3200.