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One in four Australians with type 2 diabetes don’t know they have the condition, according to the final report on health care by the Council of Australian Governments Reform Council.

The report found there are higher rates of prevalence of type 2 diabetes among poorer communities and older Australians.

The COAG Reform Council is concerned the increasing number of overweight and obese Australians will lead to even more people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes already puts incredible strain on the Australian economy, costing the Australian taxpayer an estimated $14.6 billion per year.

Council chairman John Brumby said an increase in people with type 2 diabetes translates to high health costs, especially if sufferers need dialysis, have limbs amputated or go blind.

Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said thousands of people were living with the disease but had not yet been diagnosed.

“We recognise type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that doesn’t disappear after diagnosis – people live with the burden of managing it for the rest of their lives.

“Diabetes Queensland sets people on the right management course, and helps them stay on it in the future.”