Diabetes Victoria promotes important message ahead of National Diabetes Week

Attended by Members of Parliament and leading diabetes researchers and advocates, the event highlighted the impact of diabetes on the Victorian community and called on MPs to promote an important message.

During National Diabetes Week (13 – 19 July), Diabetes Victoria is encouraging people to check today for a healthier tomorrow. The message is simple, but vital.

“Living with diabetes puts you at greater risk of 57 other diseases,” Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan explains.

“That’s why early detection and regular health checks are critical.

“We need to pay attention to both preventing and managing diabetes to help people affected, relieve pressure on the health system, and reduce the prevalence of so many other chronic conditions.”

For people living with diabetes, regular health checks for eyes, feet, blood pressure and kidneys can reduce the risk of long-term complications.

For people at risk of type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Victoria recommends the AUSDRISK tool.

Relatives of people with type 1 diabetes can access the national Type1Screen program for an antibody test to determine their risk of developing type 1. 

MPs at the launch event received resources to promote the National Diabetes Week message. Minister for Health Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas praised the initiative.

“It is important to have leadership in the community talking about diabetes, so people living with diabetes know they deserve and can access care,” Minister Thomas says.

“This also helps address the stigma often associated with diabetes.

“Our government is committed to exploring new ways we can deliver care to people living with all types of diabetes.”

Diabetes Victoria has three policy priorities related to its National Diabetes Week theme and presented these priorities to spark discussion at the event.

The first is stronger action on early intervention.

“We need to transform the health system to front load the support people get when newly diagnosed,” Mr Noonan explains.

“Our second policy priority is to increase access to specialist diabetes advice in rural and regional areas.  People in some regional areas are waiting up to 250 days to see a specialist, compared to 44 days in metropolitan hospitals.”

Proven models in other Australian states use telehealth to connect endocrinologists with primary care, to improve access to diabetes care for communities that need it most. 

“We can and should adopt these models of care in Victoria,” Mr Noonan says.

“Our third policy priority is to secure investment in leading diabetes research centres in our state, including the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI).”

Guest speakers included Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, Gaelle Broad MP, Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, Georgie Crozier MP, Nicole French, Professor John Wentworth and Professor Elif Ekinci.

Diabetes Friends of Parliament co-chair Gaelle Broad MLC commended the bipartisan support for the event.

“It is wonderful to be at an event where different political parties come together for an important cause,” she said.

“It is an honour to help launch this campaign. A simple reminder can lead to early action and better health.”