Media Releases - 8 July 2026

Diabetes Doesn’t Rest highlights the urgent need for action to support Victorians living with, or at risk of, diabetes. The election priorities were informed by Diabetes Victoria’s Messages That Matter campaign.

“Our community shared what matters to them about diabetes, in their own words,” Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan explains.

“We’ve received over 1000 messages from across the state about what gives people hope, what people need, and what they wish people understood about diabetes.

“These personal stories and messages have informed our advocacy work and have guided our 2026 Victorian election priorities.”

Around 400,000 people are living with diabetes in Victoria, while another 125,000 Victorians have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. A further 750,000 Victorians are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The annual healthcare cost for someone living with diabetes is more than double that of someone without diabetes. Around 80 percent of the costs are hospital admissions and emergency care.

“We have identified the essential diabetes prevention and care investments to deliver better outcomes for people and relieve pressure on the health system,” Mr Noonan says.

“The state election priorities are critical to help prevent complications, reduce future healthcare costs, and improve the lives of millions of Victorians.”

The five priorities outlined in the Diabetes Doesn’t Rest document:

1. Ensure a healthier Victoria, now and for future generations
2. Fix early intervention to improve health outcomes and avoid surging costs
3. Provide the right diabetes care at the right time for all Victorians
4. Make sure no child with diabetes is left out of early childhood education and care
5. Keep Victoria at the forefront of diabetes research

Gestational diabetes now affects one in five pregnancies, and half of these mothers will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within a decade. This cycle is preventable, and we now have a proven program ready to roll out across the state.

"Thanks to the work of Professor Helena Teede, we have a program that improves outcomes for mothers and babies, and it pays for itself," Mr Noonan says.

"For every dollar invested, the health system saves almost $5 through fewer complicated pregnancies and avoided hospital care.

“We look forward to working with the next Victorian Government to implement these initiatives as part of a cohesive, statewide strategy.

“Diabetes doesn’t rest, and we urgently need action to better support Victorians affected by diabetes.”

Media enquiries: Britt Denton | bdenton@diabetesvic.org.au | 0488 133 316