It's a play on Australia's ever expanding waist, but also a chance to address a growing global crisis.

According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and it hasn't stopped.

In Katherine, a combination of environmental and socioeconomic factors has led to the unfavorable title of most overweight town in Australia.

Lions national diabetes coordinator Pat Mills says the burden of diabetes is impacting too many lives.

"280 people develop diabetes every day across the country and around 1.7 million Australians currently have the disease," she said.

"It can lead to serious diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. However, early diagnosis, optimal treatment and effective ongoing support and management reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications."

Lions Australia is on a mission to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and will be holding a range of fundraisers and family friendly healthy exercise activities called 'Lions Lap the Map' to mark Diabetes Awareness Month this November.

"Lions across Australia are committed to doing what we can to raise awareness and increase education around diabetes," she said.

Diabetes has been named as a key focus for Lions moving forward, and with over 1.4 million members it is easy to see how they could make an impact.

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