Australians will be able to make healthier food choices following the whole-of-government decision today to support a new voluntary, front of pack labeling scheme on packaged food products.

Diabetes Australia welcomed the outcome of the intergovernmental forum on food policy, which included a requirement that the new health star rating scheme be mandatory if it is not widely adopted by food companies within two years.

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said Australia faced a continuing rise

in type 2 diabetes with nearly 75,000 new cases diagnosed in the past year with strong links to increases in overweight and obesity, with food choices one of the key factors behind the rise.

A new test for assessing the genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes has been developed by researchers at the University of Western Australia.

Researchers are predicting the new method will revolutionise type 1 diabetes research and testing across the globe.

According to reports, the test would make determining the genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes faster, cheaper and more accurate.

The new test will assist researchers and provide a greater understanding of personal risk for those living with a family history of type 1 diabetes.

We all know Popeye gets his strong muscles from spinach, but now scientists have discovered leafy greens control an immune cell population that is essential for intestinal health.

Eating leafy greens can help your body produce digestive immune cells that protect against infection. So in order to ensure this immune cell population is working effectively, try adding spinach, kale and broccoli into your everyday meals. Or try out our gorgeous greens recipe.

Diabetes Queensland has a whole range of delicious and healthy recipes on our website - try them out or submit your own.

Kids are more likely to eat fruit if it's already cut up, a new study has found. For example, findings suggested children ate more of an apple if it was pre-sliced, showing they prefer fruit in bite-sized pieces.

Try slicing fruit and veggies up for yourself and see if it helps you increase your fruit and veg consumption, and start feeling the benefits of eating two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables a day.

We're a country of helping hands, with over six million Australians volunteering each year, and we're one of the regular recipients of this generosity.

May 13 to 19 marks Australia's National Volunteer Week, so we're saying a big thank you to all the amazing people who dedicate their time, skills and passion to diabetes in Queensland.

To the amazing women who come to our office every week on a Tuesday or Thursday, thank you. To the know the score volunteers who help people all across the State learn to reduce their risk of developing type 2, thank you.

And to everyone else who helped at the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge, organised events for World Diabetes Day and National Diabetes Week, or helped spread awareness of diabetes to help Australians understand the condition. To all of you, thank you.