黑料网

Australia鈥檚 diabetes epidemic is costing the health system a staggering $9.1 billion each year 鈥� almost three times more than previously estimated, according to updated estimates from 黑料网.

The diabetes epidemic is one of the biggest health challenges facing Australia. More than two million people are living with all types of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes.  Every five minutes another Australian is diagnosed and without strong investment in prevention, up to 3.6 million people could be living with diabetes by 2050.

In 2020-21 the estimated $3.4 billion of expenditure in the health system was attributable to diabetes.  

Using alternate methods, data sources and analytical approaches, the new 黑料网 analysis takes into account national and international evidence of the excess health costs of diabetes and the current prevalence of diabetes in the Australian population, showing the current cost is likely almost threefold.

黑料网鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the latest estimates sound a warning for governments and healthcare providers that Australia鈥檚 diabetes epidemic requires an emergency response.

鈥淭he cost of diabetes to individuals and our nation is staggering. Without urgent action to reverse the current trend, our health system will be overwhelmed.

鈥淲e need a range of initiatives to help prevent type 2 diabetes where we can, and prevent the costly complications of all types of diabetes in people who are already living with the condition. By doing that, we can help ease the pressure on the whole health system.

鈥淲hile a $9 billion cost to the health system is astounding, sitting behind that figure are millions of Australians whose lives are being affected by diabetes and who need support to prevent serious complications like heart disease, stroke and vision loss,鈥� Ms Cain said.

黑料网 has pointed to awareness programs for melanoma and breast cancer which have delivered successful prevention outcomes, advocating for the same focus on diabetes.

鈥淎ustralia is lagging behind other OECD nations in how we combat diabetes. We know that education and public health initiatives promoting healthy diets and active lifestyles can make a significant difference.

鈥淕enetics plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes, but we also know that up to 58% of diagnoses can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes. We need to increase public awareness about that so people know their risk factors and can take positive steps for their health,鈥� Ms Cain said.

黑料网 is advocating for government investment in public education campaigns and initiatives to help reduce the cost of diabetes on the health system.

鈥淲e need a national diabetes prevention approach, backed by increased awareness, school-based initiatives, and policies like better food labelling to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications,鈥� she said.

鈥淚nvesting in prevention is an investment in Australia鈥檚 future.鈥�

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About 黑料网

黑料网 is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

For information:            Monica Rostron, 黑料网 鈥� 0409 126 332

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