2019 has certainly been significant for The George Institute for Global Health - not only did we celebrate our 20th year but we also delivered ground-breaking research that will have a positive impact on the health of people around the world.

Our top three stories of the year include a landmark study heralding the first new treatment for diabetic kidney disease in 20 years, the testing of an innovative new way to assess depression in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and a global survey showing which countries have the healthiest packaged foods.

1. New breakthrough treatment for kidney disease offers hope for hundreds of millions of people with diabetes worldwide

April saw the publication of the landmark CREDENCE trial showing that a new treatment for people with diabetes and kidney disease reduced kidney failure rates by a third.

The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also showed heart failure was reduced by over 30%, and major cardiovascular events by about 20%.

“This definitive trial result is a major medical breakthrough as people with diabetes and kidney disease are at extremely high risk of kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and death,” said Professor Vlado Perkovic, Dean of Medicine, UNSW.

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2. New screening tool to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people combat depression

In July, our researchers showed that a culturally-appropriate depression screening tool for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples not only works, but should also be rolled out across the country.

The screening tool was evaluated 10 urban, rural and remote primary health services across Australia in partnership with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait primary care providers, and highlighted the importance of using culturally appropriate language to identify those with, or at risk of depression.

“This tool, which was developed in conjunction with Aboriginal communities and researchers, will help us address easily treated problems that often go undiagnosed,” said Professor Maree Hackett, Program Head, Mental Health.

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3. British food crowned the healthiest in major global survey

In August, our survey of more than 400,000 food and drink products from 12 countries

found that when it comes to having the healthiest packaged foods and drinks, the UK tops the charts, with the USA in 2nd place and Australia coming in at 3rd.

The results, published in Obesity Reviews, found that when ranked using Australia’s Health Star Rating system, the UK had the highest average Health Star Rating of 2.83, followed by the US at 2.82 and Australia at 2.81. India got the lowest rating of just 2.27 followed by China at 2.43 with Chile coming third from bottom at 2.44.

“Our results show that some countries are doing a much better job than others. Unfortunately it’s the poorer nations that are least able to address the adverse health consequences that have the unhealthiest foods,” said the study’s lead author Elizabeth Dunford.  

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We asked The George Institute for Global Health’s respiratory expert Professor Christine Jenkins about the health effects of exposure to bushfire smoke and how you can take steps to manage them.

What is smoke exposure doing to us?

Short term exposure to smoke is definitely not good for you. Various factors influence how you will be affected by this - some being how close you are to the smoke, how intense it is and how prolonged the exposure is. Your personal vulnerability is also important – if you have asthma or other types of lung disease you are more prone to breathing difficulty and coughing when you have smoke exposure.

What advice would you have to look after yourself?

Minimise your exposure to the smoke, stay indoors if possible and wear a P2 mask if you’re outside. If you have heart or lung disease it is especially advisable to stay inside.  If you have asthma or other types of lung disease, be conscientious about taking your preventer medications. Don’t just rely on your reliever medication.

What is a P2 mask? 

This mask has a filter that can remove most of the PM2.5 particles – the tiny particles that can damage your airways and be absorbed into your bloodstream. It must be fitted snugly over your nose and around your face and chin to be effective. Paper (typical blue “surgical”) masks are not effective in eliminating fine particles (or PM2.5s).

Is there a safe time limit?

Levels below 50 are generally considered safe, although ideally, they should be below 25. On a normal, clear spring day in Sydney, PM2.5’s average about 20 micrograms per cubic metre.

How big an issue is this smoke for people with respiratory problems?

For people with airways disease, lung disease or heart disease there is a significant risk of increased symptoms. It is especially irritating for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD), as these diseases cause the airways to be inflamed and the smoke can aggravate them quite substantially. Long term smoke exposure over months and years is not good for your heart or lungs whether you already have lung disease or are a healthy person.

What if you are otherwise in good health? Would it be alright to exercise?

It is definitely unwise and not recommended to exercise outdoors in these conditions. When you exercise you dramatically increase your ventilation, and the amount of air that goes in and out of your lungs increases 5 to 10 fold. It is very significant and you’re just increasing your exposure to the polluted air and potential irritants. Choosing a form of exercise you can do indoors is by far the better decision.

What organs and parts of the body would it affect aside from its respiratory system?

Fine particle pollution can be absorbed and so has the capacity to reach all organs. Cardiovascular disease is significantly increased by sustained air pollution exposure, thought to be due to in inflammatory coronary vasculitis and possibly heart muscle damage induced by these tiny particles.