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Diabetes. Testing Times.

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Glen Noonan

By 2026, over 500,000 Victorians will be diagnosed with diabetes. With support and resources, diabetes can be well managed, and people affected by diabetes can live long, healthy and happy lives.

Diabetes Priorities

In recent years, we have all been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But it is not the only pandemic facing Victoria.

One decade ago, Diabetes Australia published a report titled Diabetes: the silent pandemic and its impact on Australia. Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Victoria. Diabetes is increasing at a faster rate than other chronic conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. Diabetes remains one of the biggest challenges confronting our health system.

Diabetes is a serious and complex condition, which requires daily self-care. There is no cure. The acute and long-term complications of diabetes can reduce both quality and length of life. However, with appropriate support and resources and an emphasis on value-based healthcare, people with diabetes can live long, healthy and happy lives. These are testing times!

The COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and floods have been particularly significant for people with diabetes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one in four people in hospital had diabetes. In the past two years, people with diabetes have been more likely than the general population to be hospitalised and experience serious complications if they have COVID-19. One in five COVID-19 deaths have been among people with pre-existing diabetes.

The Victorian Government has identified the need to reduce hospital admissions among people with diabetes, but currently has no clear plan on how to achieve this. We need a plan – an ambitious Victorian Diabetes Plan, focused on the urgent need to improve both the health and quality of life of all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes, and to reduce hospital admissions.

Diabetes Victoria is calling on the Victorian Government to recognise and collaborate on five key priorities to support all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes. These priorities are based on the lived experiences of over 374,000 people across Victoria who are currently living with diabetes. Add in their families, and we estimate over 1 million Victorians are directly impacted by diabetes every day.

We welcome the opportunity to work with the Victorian Government on innovations to reduce the burden of diabetes in the Victorian community and on our health system.

Glen Noonan, CEO
Diabetes Victoria

Summary of five priorities

Five priorities to improve the health and quality of life of thousands of Victorians with diabetes:

  • Member Image

    Contact your local MP now to make diabetes care and support a priority!

    Email your local MP asking for their commitment to Victorians living with, or at risk of diabetes. If you need some guidance, you can refer to the following email template;

    Dear <insert name of local member>,

    I am writing to ask you to act on behalf of the 374,000 Victorians with diabetes.

    Please prioritise Victorians living with, or at risk of, diabetes. We are seeking a commitment from you, as my local member to do more for people living with this serious, chronic condition.

    Also, I would ask you consider the other key priorities as people living with diabetes should receive appropriate support and resources, with an emphasis on value-based healthcare, people with diabetes can live long, healthy and happy lives.

    I look forward to your response to my email.

    Thanks,
    <insert your name>

     

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