Media Releases - 12 November 2026

The peak body is calling on the next Victorian Government to commit to five priorities to better support the 1.3 million Victorians affected by diabetes. 

A range of Victorian political parties have now provided responses.  

“Every response we have received so far acknowledges the challenges faced by people affected by diabetes and the need for the government to do more in prevention, care and support,” Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan says. 

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.  

Diabetes is a powerful multiplier of health risk and is an underlying factor for other serious health conditions, including heart disease, kidney failure, amputations, dementia, and mental health issues.  

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.  

"At a time when every dollar counts, these are smart investments. Preventing diabetes and its complications costs far less than treating them in hospital, so this package pays for itself while delivering better outcomes for Victorians,” 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    

Diabetes Victoria has received responses from five political parties, including the Liberal-National Coalition and the Australian Greens Victoria. 

"This engagement shows recognition of the impact of diabetes on people, families and the health system," Mr Noonan says. 

"I live with type 1 diabetes all day every day. It doesn’t stop for weekends or public holidays," says Diabetes Victoria member Fran Freeman. 

She welcomes Diabetes Victoria's election priorities and the responses received so far. "Everyone wins from investing in this approach." 

Read the full responses from each party on the Diabetes Victoria website here.

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