Advocating for a Healthier Victoria

The submission calls for action to address the growing health crisis, including the development of a Victorian Diabetes Plan. The plan would provide a coordinated, strategic response to diabetes and its impacts on people, families, and the healthcare system. 

Diabetes is not only a chronic and complex condition; it is also a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. People with diabetes are overrepresented across the entire health system. There is an urgent need to improve both the health and quality of life of all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.  

CEO Glen Noonan says Victoria is uniquely positioned to tackle this issue.  

“The state is home to world-leading researchers, health professionals, and passionate advocates, including those with lived experience of diabetes,” he explains.  

“By working together, we can create a clear, actionable plan to improve care, prevent new cases, and reduce the stigma surrounding diabetes.” 

Four key budget proposals

In the submission, four key budget proposals are outlined. They aim to improve health outcomes in the short term while laying the foundation for long-term success. They are: 

• Improving models of diabetes care in hospitals:  
  • Establish a Victorian Diabetes Health Learning Network to improve the quality and safety of diabetes care, involving both healthcare professionals and people with lived experience. 
  • Scale up proactive models of care aimed at improving outcomes for people with diabetes in hospitals. 

• Expanded Access to Specialist Care:  
  • A statewide diabetes service to improve access to specialised diabetes care, particularly in rural and regional areas, addressing the imbalance in healthcare access. 

• Healthy pregnancy and prevention:  

• • Increased funding to support evidence-based programs targeting the prevention of gestational diabetes during pregnancy 
  • Fund access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for women with type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. 

• Early intervention for adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes:  

• • Funding to develop a tailored model of care for younger adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, focusing on early intervention. 

Diabetes is a major public health issue that demands immediate action. The Diabetes Victoria State Budget Submission to the Victorian Government is a call to improve the lives of all Victorians affected by diabetes. 

We invite the Victorian community, our stakeholders, and supporters to support a Victorian Diabetes Plan, that puts the unmet needs of people with diabetes first and ensures a healthier future for all Victorians.