But behind the alarming diabetes statistics are thousands of equally as compelling personal stories. 

People like retired Wagga truckie Allan Prowse, who was told by his GP in 2015 that he had the beginning stages of type 2 diabetes.

Instead of losing hope, Mr Prowse lost weight. 

Forty kilos in 30 weeks, to be precise, an extraordinary act of will that has staved off a full-blown diabetes diagnosis.

His story should be an inspiration to us all.

Because diabetes’ creeping grasp is likely to touch you or someone you love.

Type 2 diabetes is an affliction of modern life, a byproduct of excess and indolence.

In a community like Wagga, where fast food franchises and liquor chains are ubiquitous and obesity rates soar above the state average, thousands of locals are at grave risk of developing this “lifestyle diabetes”.

Often caused by a poor diet or lack of exercise, the real tragedy of type two diabetes isn’t its prevalence but the fact we aren’t doing more to arrest the rising tide.

The Riverina, which boasts the dubious honour as the fattest region in NSW, has a hell of a stake in this fight.

Tom Marriott from the newly formed Murrumbidgee Diabetes Association (MDA) is at the frontline of raising awareness about the disease locally.

Recently within the space of a week, Mr Marriott saw three acquaintances in Griffith that had all lost a limb due to diabetes.

It is yet another jolting reminder of how widespread the disease is becoming in our own backyard.

The message now to every Riverina resident is clear.

You have an obligation to yourself, your family and the wider community to ensure you don’t develop this insidious disease.

There are two million Australians with pre-diabetes, effectively walking around with a time bomb strapped to their midriffs.

A simple doctor’s visit and small changes to lifestyle could prevent the bomb from detonating.

If you’re at risk of type two diabetes, what’s stopping you from helping yourself and those you love?