1.5m Australians live with Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges confronting Australia’s health system with almost 1.5 million people (about 5.5% of the population) living with this condition.

What is concerning reading these statistics is that Diabetes Australia predicts about half-a-million of these people are living with diabetes in silent, that is undiagnosed type-2 diabetes.

New modelling from Diabetes Australia, based on US research, found that the cost impact of people in Australia living with type 2 diabetes not receiving recommended care was around AU$3,564 per person per annum.

An estimated 50% of Australians living with type 2 diabetes are not accessing a range of recommended diabetes health checks that help to prevent and manage diabetes-related complications including checks for diabetes management, cholesterol, eyes, kidneys, feet and others.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the modelling highlighted the importance of supporting Australians living with all types of diabetes to receive the best possible healthcare.

“Diabetes is complex and can lead to a range of debilitating and costly complications, many that can be prevented or delayed by ensuring people receive timely and appropriate medical care,” Ms Cain said.

“One of the challenges with Australia’s healthcare system is that it has been orientated towards treating people when they are sick and unwell, rather than preventing issues before they develop.“

Understanding diabetes and its seriousness is important.‌

• If you are living with any type of diabetes, you need to learn how to manage your diabetes
• If you have a family member or friend with diabetes, you can learn how to support them
• If you are a teacher or employer, you have a duty of care to provide a safe environment
• If you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to prevent, slow down its progression or even put your type 2 diabetes into remission.

From 9 through 15 July is National Diabetes week, which looks to start a conversation about the impact diabetes has on this country in order to drive change and create hope for the future.

Ms Cain said this National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia was launching the nation’s biggest ever conversation about diabetes to hear from people living with the condition about improving the quality of healthcare they receive and inform its submission to the Australian Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes.

“We’re hoping to amplify the voice of people with diabetes who understand the reality of living with diabetes better than anyone to ensure this inquiry focusses on the priorities that will change the future,” she said.

Over the course of the week, Diabetes Australia hosted a series of five thought-provoking Great Debates over five days. These debates featuring people living with diabetes alongside experts discussing the big topics relevant to the future of diabetes in Australia. 

The Australian Government recently announced an Inquiry into Diabetes in Australia. It is time to amplify the voice of the diabetes community to ensure this Inquiry focusses on the priorities that will change the numbers, change the future, and change lives. 

If you or someone you know has or is as risk of diabetes, and for further information go to: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/