New data from self-serve health check stations reveals as many as one in three Queenslanders could have risk factors that they should discuss with their health professional. 

The data reinforces the need for greater access to early screening, an area that鈥檚 being addressed through a pilot partnership between 黑料网, Target Australia, and SiSU Health, that could help people catch their risk of chronic conditions sooner. 

The data also highlights the need for preventative screening that鈥檚 accessible and affordable, and reduces stigma for consumers. 

Some of the risk factors identified included high blood pressure, very high body mass index (BMI, greater than 35), and type 2 diabetes risk, as measured by AUSDRISK criteria. 

The findings also highlight the significant potential of preventative screening to reduce complications, benefiting individuals and easing pressure on the health system.  

Health check stations are self-serve TGA-registered medical devices that can provide validated screening results in minutes, which can give baseline health data which supports conversations with health professionals. 

Thanks to the partnership, health check stations have been available in selected Target stores in South Australia for 4 weeks and so far almost 5,000 people have undergone a health check. 

The partnership now has 10 stations available across selected Target stores in Queensland, allowing shoppers to check things like blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, body composition, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes (against AUSDRISK criteria), all discreetly delivered directly by secure app.  

Currently, almost 260,000 Queenslanders live with type 2 diabetes, with a further 102,500 estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Nationally, 2 million Australians are living with all types of diabetes.  

黑料网鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative was an important step forward in exploring new ways to make preventive health more accessible to the community.  

鈥淭hese early numbers strongly suggest that we鈥檙e taking the right steps in getting preventative healthcare out into the community. It鈥檚 never too early or too late to take your health seriously,鈥� Ms Cain said.  

鈥淲e know that delivering an easy-to-access, stigma free health check could be all that someone needs to get life-changing health data. 

鈥淎 five-minute health check could be the best thing you put in your shopping basket today. 

鈥淢illions of Australians are either living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and many don鈥檛 realise it.  By partnering with a trusted brand like Target, we have a powerful opportunity to reach people earlier. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people take control of their health.鈥� 

Ms Cain said the partnership with Target reflects 黑料网鈥檚 commitment to innovative approaches to prevention.  

鈥淭hese health stations at Target stores provide a simple way for people to learn their risk, track their results, and, if needed, seek support early through their GP or health professional. Small steps like this can make a big difference.鈥� 

Target will host the health stations in 10 participating Queensland stores, in addition to the 10 already-deployed locations in South Australia, as part of the pilot, providing customers with a convenient five-minute check while they shop.  

Kmart Group (Kmart and Target) Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer Alexandra Staley said Target is proud to partner with 黑料网 to bring accessible health solutions into everyday retail environments.  

鈥淎t Target, we鈥檙e committed to supporting our local communities. By hosting these health stations in our stores, we鈥檙e helping make it easier for customers to access simple, free health checks as part of their everyday routines.鈥�  

鈥淭his pilot reflects our broader focus on creating positive community impact 鈥� using our national store network to help explore ways to remove barriers to early detection and support better health outcomes for Australians.鈥�  

The health checks have already proven successful in other settings, with thousands of Australians using health stations each year to proactively monitor their health.  

Machines are now available in Target stores across Queensland. Participating stores include: Bundaberg, Carindale, Strathpine, Rockhampton, Morayfield, Ipswich, Browns Plains, Mt Gravatt, Mt Ommaney, Runaway Bay. 

The diabetes sector has welcomed the Federal Government鈥檚 response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, which provides in-principle support for a number of key recommendations needed to arrest Australia鈥檚 diabetes epidemic.

The sector is encouraged by the government鈥檚 willingness to increase awareness about diabetes, improve diabetes care, expand access to GLP-1 medicines and grow diabetes research investments.

黑料网鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the government鈥檚 response shows it has heard the strong advocacy from the diabetes sector.

鈥満诹贤�, as the national peak body for all Australians living with diabetes, will continue to relentlessly pursue avenues to increase support for the diabetes community alongside the whole sector,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淭here was a comprehensive package of measures recommended in the Inquiry鈥檚 report, and the government鈥檚 response to them is an important step forward.

鈥淚n particular, we welcome support for public health campaigns to increase awareness of the early signs of all types of diabetes as well as prevention measures; an increase in MBS item numbers for diabetes educators; expanding eligibility for GLP-1 medicines; and the funding and coordination of diabetes research.鈥�  

Ms Cain said the sector understands that the challenging economic circumstances facing Australia at this time meant some recommendations had been noted, but that ongoing advocacy would continue.

鈥淲e look forward to working with government as we continue to find a way to make insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors more affordable for people living with diabetes whose lives would be drastically improved by these technologies,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淚n this week鈥檚 Federal Budget, the government announced funding for important initiatives that will support the diabetes community including investments in research, the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, and My Health Record. We welcome this funding which will deliver practical support.

鈥淓quity of access to technologies continues to be a critical focus and we must work together with government to find a way to make this standard care affordable for Australians. Health equity is critical. In a cost of living crisis, access to diabetes technology and services is more important than ever,鈥� Ms Cain said.

Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO Melanie Morris said 鈥渨e welcome the government鈥檚 response and the support in principle for a number of key recommendations that will improve access to care, strengthen the diabetes workforce, and enhance prevention.

鈥淚mportantly, this includes support to improve access to Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), including in high鈥憆isk outer metropolitan, rural and remote communities, as well as expanding MBS鈥憇ubsidised allied health services and access to longer consultations,鈥� Ms Morris said.

Australian Diabetes Society CEO Sof Andrikopoulos said there were a number of encouraging signs for diabetes research.

鈥淲hen taken together, the announcement in the Federal Budget that MRFF funding will be increased to $1 billion by 2030, and the in-principle support for the diabetes research recommendation for the inquiry, we can see promising roads ahead for Australia鈥檚 diabetes community,鈥� Mr Andrikopoulos said.

Dr Matthew Hare, President of the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society noted new initiatives in the Federal budget that will enhance opportunities for women living with diabetes to have the best health outcomes for them and their children, such as improved access to long-acting reversible contraception.

鈥淲e are committed to continuing to work with the Australian Government to ensure equitable access to life-changing technologies for women with diabetes that will improve health outcomes across generations,鈥� Dr Hare said.

Twenty-three key recommendations were included in a comprehensive report tabled in 2024 by the Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee following its landmark .

The diabetes community will continue to work with government on increasing affordable access to diabetes technologies including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

鈥淭hese technologies aren鈥檛 a 鈥榥ice to have鈥�, they are absolutely necessary,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淩ight now, we鈥檙e seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford. Cost should never determine whether someone can access life鈥慶hanging care.

鈥淲e very much look forward to continuing the discussions with government on how we can make this a reality,鈥� Ms Cain said.

New research supported by 黑料网 has confirmed that a person鈥檚 genes can influence how well widely used diabetes medicines such as Mounjaro and Ozempic work.

The discovery could pave the way for more personalised prescribing in the future, with treatments tailored to a person鈥檚 genetic profile to improve outcomes.

The findings come from an international team including researchers at Adelaide University and were published in the international journal .

The research was led by South Australian endocrinologist and clinician researcher Dr Mahesh Umapathysivam (Adelaide University), Dr Alraldi (ETH Zurich), Professor Gloyn (Stanford University) and Prof Stoffel (ETH Zurich), and was supported in Adelaide by funding from the 黑料网 Research Program in 2024.

Dr Umapathysivam said the team investigated how genetic differences affect responses to medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that help lower blood glucose levels and can also assist with weight loss.

鈥淥ur studies suggest that a person鈥檚 genetic profile may influence how well these medicines slow the emptying of the stomach after eating,鈥� Dr Umapathysivam said.

鈥淭his process is important because slower stomach emptying contributes to the medicines鈥� effect on blood glucose levels.鈥�

The research studied the effect of genetic variants which alter the activity of a protein called PAM. Approximately 10% of the population carry a loss-of-function variant in the PAM gene and have lower PAM activity and higher levels of GLP-1 after meals, but without the expected improvement in the body鈥檚 ability to lower blood glucose after a meal, something known as the 鈥渋ncretin鈥� response.

鈥淎s a result, these individuals showed a reduced response to GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines,鈥� Dr Umapathysivam said.

鈥淥ur findings suggest that people who carry these variants may have a form of GLP-1 resistance, meaning the medicines may not work as effectively for them.鈥�

The team also observed similar patterns in mouse studies, strengthening the evidence that genetic differences can influence how patients respond to this class of medicines.

The discovery could help guide future precision medicine approaches, allowing doctors to better predict who is likely to benefit from these treatments and who may need alternative therapies.

Adelaide鈥檚 Laverne Naicker, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 20 years ago, said she thought it was a shame when Ozempic didn鈥檛 work for her.

鈥淚 was pretty disappointed,鈥� Laverne said. 鈥淚t was a big deal. Ozempic seemed to work like a miracle for other people, so why not me?

鈥淔or every medication there are side effects. For me, I experienced burping, abdominal discomfort like pinching, and terrible headaches.

鈥淭here was no flip side. Ozempic didn鈥檛 help with my diabetes. This research is awesome because it has the potential for people like me not to waste time, hope, and feeling unwell if the medication isn鈥檛 going to work.鈥�

Laverne has since started insulin to help manage her glucose levels.

黑料网鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the results highlighted the importance of sustained investment in diabetes research.

鈥満诹贤� is proud to have supported this groundbreaking project,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淩esearch is the key to changing the future of diabetes.

鈥淚nnovative studies like this show how Australian researchers are helping lead the world in understanding diabetes, how to prevent it, and how to improve treatment for people living with the condition.鈥�

黑料网 Group Executive, Health, Economics & Research, Amber Willink, said Dr Umapathysivam鈥檚 team鈥檚 research supports treatments being used where they will have the greatest benefit.

“Personalised medicine is not a future concept. It鈥檚 emerging now. This research shows how genetic insights can help ensure the right treatment reaches the right person at the right time.”

Researchers from the University of Oxford, University of Dundee, University of Copenhagen, University of British Columbia, Newcastle University, University of Bath and University of Exeter also contributed to the work. 

Established almost 40 years ago, the 黑料网 Research Program supports outstanding research across prevention, treatment and the search for a cure for all types of diabetes.

The program also helps develop the next generation of diabetes researchers and relies on the generosity of donors to continue supporting world-class research in Australia.

More information about the 黑料网 Research Program and how to support its work is available at the 黑料网 website. Find out more about how to support us.

Shoppers at selected Target stores in South Australia can now take five from checking out the latest fashion fits to check in on their health, thanks to a pilot partnership between the retailer, 黑料网, and SiSU Health.  

The partnership will see 10 SiSU Health Check stations deployed across selected Target stores in South Australia, where shoppers can check a range of health markers such as blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, body composition, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes (against AUSDRISK criteria), all discreetly delivered directly by secure app.  

Health Check stations are self-serve TGA-registered medical devices that can provide validated screening results in minutes, which can give baseline health data and support conversations with health professionals.   

The initiative aims to encourage early screening for a range of common health markers that could help people catch their risk of chronic conditions sooner.  

Currently, just over 121,000 South Australians live with all types of diabetes, with a further 34,000 estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Nationally, 2 million Australians are living with diabetes.  

Diabetes Australia鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative was an important step forward in exploring new ways to make preventive health more accessible to the community.  

鈥淲ith this partnership there鈥檚 no need for people to 鈥榮hop around鈥� for good health 鈥� now they can check their risk while at Target checking the latest fashion,鈥� Ms Cain said.   

鈥淎 five-minute health check could be the best thing you put in your shopping basket today. 

鈥淢illions of Australians are either living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and many don鈥檛 realise it.  By partnering with a trusted brand like Target, we have a powerful opportunity to reach people earlier. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people take control of their health.鈥� 

Ms Cain said the partnership reflects 黑料网鈥檚 commitment to innovative approaches to prevention.  

鈥淲e know that when health checks are easy, accessible and stigma free, more people engage. These health stations at Target stores provide a simple way for people to learn their risk, track their results, and, if needed, seek support early through their GP or health professional. Small steps like this can make a big difference.鈥� 

Target will host the health stations in 10 participating stores, as part of the pilot, providing customers with a convenient five-minute check while they shop.  

Kmart Group (Kmart and Target) Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer Alexandra Staley said Target is proud to partner with 黑料网 to bring accessible health solutions into everyday retail environments.  

鈥淎t Target, we鈥檙e committed to supporting our local communities. By hosting these health stations in our stores, we鈥檙e helping make it easier for customers to access simple, free health checks as part of their everyday routines.鈥�  

鈥淭his pilot reflects our broader focus on creating positive community impact 鈥� using our national store network to help explore ways to remove barriers to early detection and support better health outcomes for Australians.鈥�  

The health checks have already proven successful in other settings, with thousands of Australians using SiSU Health Stations each year to proactively monitor their health.  

SiSU聽Health Check machines are available now in Target Australia locations across South Australia. Participating stores include: Centrepoint (Adelaide CBD), Sefton Park, Edwardstown, Newton, Marion, Tea Tree Plaza, West Lakes, Hollywood Plaza, Elizabeth, Reynella.聽聽

Australia鈥檚 Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and the nation鈥檚 leading diabetes experts will gather at Parliament House in Canberra today for the National Diabetes Summit, as figures highlight the growing scale and impact of one of Australia鈥檚 most complex health challenges.

Hosted by 黑料网, the landmark Summit will bring together policy makers, clinicians, researchers, advocates and importantly, individuals living with diabetes, to address the escalating effects of diabetes and identify solutions.

黑料网鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the Summit marked a critical opportunity for the nation to confront the diabetes epidemic.

鈥淎 challenge of this scale demands a national response,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淒iabetes is one of the most serious and costly health challenges facing Australians.

鈥淓very five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes. These individuals are managing a complex condition that affects almost every organ in the body and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation.

鈥淏ringing national leaders together, alongside lived experience representatives, is a critical step toward delivering the coordinated response Australia urgently needs.鈥�

The Summit will feature a keynote address from Health Minister Mark Butler and bring together experts from across the sector to help shape the next phase of Australia鈥檚 national response to the condition.

This critical national dialogue comes as diabetes continues to place enormous pressure on Australia鈥檚 health system and economy.

Around two million Australians are currently living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, with another two million at high risk. Without decisive action, the number of Australians affected is projected to reach 3.6 million by 2050.

More than 1.2 million hospitalisations each year are linked to diabetes, accounting for around 10 per cent of all hospital admissions in Australia, and the number of diabetes-related amputations has increased by 51 percent in a decade according to the latest figures.

Each year about 6,300 Australians living with diabetes undergo a lower-limb amputation, and experts estimate that up to 85 per cent of these procedures are preventable with earlier intervention and coordinated care.

The condition is also the leading cause of blindness in working age adults and the leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Ms Cain said the recent parliamentary inquiry into diabetes made clear that Australia now needs a nationally coordinated response to deliver solutions that change lives.

鈥淲e know that investing in prevention, early diagnosis and better access to technology and coordinated care can dramatically reduce devastating complications like amputations, kidney disease and vision loss,鈥� she said.

鈥淧reventing or delaying type 2 diabetes is possible. When prevention programs focus on people at highest risk, around 58 per cent of cases can be delayed or avoided.鈥�

The impact of type 2 diabetes is felt strongly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and nearly five times more likely to be hospitalised with diabetes-related complications.

Ms Cain said tackling diabetes effectively would deliver significant health and economic benefits.

鈥淒iabetes already costs the Australian health system more than $14.2 billion each year, and those costs are projected to reach $45 billion by 2050,鈥� she said.

鈥淚f we act now, we can prevent complications, help people live healthier lives, reduce hospitalisations and strengthen Australia鈥檚 health system for the future.鈥�

Ahead of the Summit, the diabetes community has made two submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget seeking affordable access to diabetes technologies for those who face the greatest risk of complications.

The joint submissions, supported by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes in priority groups, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Equitable access to technology is one of the topics that will be raised at the Summit.

Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler will deliver the keynote address at the National Diabetes Summit on 31 March at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia鈥檚 health system.

Minister Butler will be joined at the Summit by experts and leaders from across the health sector, including senior representatives of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Penny Shakespeare, Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing, will provide the Summit鈥檚 opening address, and Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment and Access, will contribute to a key panel discussion on Australia鈥檚 diabetes landscape.

The National Diabetes Summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions to one of the nation鈥檚 most pressing health challenges.

黑料网 Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed Minister Butler鈥檚 participation in the Summit and recognised the Federal Government鈥檚 commitment to the diabetes community.

鈥淲e are delighted that Minister Butler will deliver the keynote address and that senior leaders from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will also contribute to this important national conversation,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淭his Summit is an opportunity for direct dialogue at the heart of government about one of the most urgent and complex health challenges facing Australia.

鈥淭he importance of investing in preventive health; the urgency of the diabetes crisis in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities; the need for affordable access to diabetes technologies 鈥� these are all issues that will be canvassed at the Summit and we appreciate the willingness of the Minister and the department to engage in these important topics,鈥� she said.

This event is hosted by 黑料网, in partnership with Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari, and Melissa McIntosh MP, Member for Lindsay, the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends for the Prevention of Diabetes group.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so grateful for the support of the Parliamentary Friends group. As co-chairs, the Member for Lingiari and the Member for Lindsay have been invaluable in helping to coordinate this Summit,鈥� Ms Cain said.

Summit participants will include people living with diabetes, health leaders, policymakers, clinicians, researchers and advocates, creating a unique opportunity for cross sector dialogue that connects lived experience with national decision making.

Following the summit an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management across Australia.

About 黑料网鈥��

黑料网 is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes.鈥疻e are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations,鈥痳esearchers鈥痑nd the community.鈥疧ur work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health鈥痵ystems鈥痑nd society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.鈥�����

For information: Monica Rostron, 黑料网 鈥� 0409 126 332聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 mrostron@diabetesaustralia.com.au

Tasmania鈥檚 Parliament has welcomed a delegation of people living with diabetes, raising awareness of life with the condition, highlighting the importance of preventing complications, and sharing their stories about the positive impact that diabetes technology has on their daily lives.  

Meeting with lawmakers from across the political spectrum, the 黑料网-led event heard about the impact preventative telephone health coaching programs like The COACH Program have in the Tasmanian community.  

Attendees also heard about the national campaign for more equitable access to technology including continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and automatic insulin delivery (AID) systems. 

黑料网 Group CEO Justine Cain thanked members of Parliament from all sides and all chambers for their interest and support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.  

鈥淣o one chooses diabetes, and thanks to the support of the Tasmanian Parliament, we鈥檙e taking big steps to support people living with diabetes in Tasmania to live healthy and fulfilling lives,鈥� she said.  

鈥淛ust last weekend, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett led the 19th Pollie Pedal charity bike ride through 300 kilometres of Tasmanian scenery to raise money to support people living with diabetes, cutting-edge research, and activities to help prevent and delay diabetes.  

鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for the support of the Tasmanian Government, through prevention programs like The COACH Program, which help support people in many vulnerable and at-risk communities right across Tasmania. 

鈥淎 big thank you to every Council and Assembly member for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.鈥� 

Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing, the Hon. Bridget Archer, welcomed the delegation to Parliament.  

鈥淚 thank 黑料网 for its strong support of The Health Revolution, Tasmania鈥檚 20-year preventive health strategy, and for its tireless work and ongoing partnership in improving diabetes outcomes for Tasmanians,” Minister Archer said. 

“Hearing first hand from people living with diabetes helps us to understand how we can ease the challenge of living with diabetes for people across the state.” 

黑料网 State General Manager, Impact and Innovation (Tas) Minke Hoekstra said delivery of local prevention programs like The COACH Program were helping to prevent and delay diabetes and associated complications, like cardiovascular disease, by helping Tasmanians lead healthier lives.  

鈥淢ore than 32,000 people live with diabetes across Tasmania, with another estimated 12,000 silently living with type 2 diabetes,鈥� she said.  

鈥淭he COACH Program has seen positive outcomes over the last two years including improved glucose levels and increased physical activity.   

鈥淭hese results show the importance of prevention programs that give people the tools and resources to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.  

鈥淭hank you to all Assembly and Council members for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania 鈥� your support helps our community to thrive.鈥� 

Around 50 people living with diabetes and their families and supporters gathered at Tasmania鈥檚 State Parliament on 18 March to discuss life with diabetes across all sides of Parliament. 

Proud Alwayarre woman Louise Gilbey and proud Bandjin and Djakunda man Josiah Little have achieved two important milestones that are helping strengthen culturally safe diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

黑料网 has reinforced its commitment to empowering the First Nations diabetes workforce with the appointment of Ms Gilbey as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Facilitator. At the same time, Mr Little, employed by Queensland Health, has become the first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner in Australia to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator.

To mark Close the Gap Day, 黑料网 is highlighting the achievements of these outstanding individuals.

Ms Gilbey, based in Mount Isa, brings more than 20 years of frontline experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across rural and remote Queensland. She made history in 2024 as the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator. Her new role with 黑料网 is focused on delivering education to health professionals and communities across regional and remote Australia.

Ms Gilbey said the role fulfilled a long-held ambition to strengthen diabetes education where it is needed most.

鈥淚 applied for this position because it fulfils my dream of travelling to rural and remote areas to provide diabetes education to health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members,鈥� Ms Gilbey said.

鈥淧romoting prevention and management strategies is something I feel very passionate about. 黑料网 is a respected national organisation and I鈥檓 proud to be part of it and continue my learning journey.鈥�

In a further milestone for the First Nations health workforce, Mr Little, who was born and raised in Bundaberg, completed postgraduate diabetes education and the required hours of supervised clinical practice to become a CDE. His achievement builds on Ms Gilbey鈥檚 historic credentialling and strengthens culturally informed diabetes care for First Nations communities.

Mr Little said family, culture, and community remain central to who he is, shaping both his personal values and professional practice.

鈥淯ltimately, my goal is to support a health system that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, embeds cultural capability at all levels, and delivers better health outcomes through genuine partnership with community.鈥�

黑料网 Group CEO Justine Cain said both achievements represented a significant step forward in improving health outcomes and strengthening the First Nations diabetes workforce.

鈥淟ouise and Josiah represent the future of diabetes care in Australia, with strong cultural knowledge, deep community connection, and advanced clinical expertise,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淯nfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and are more likely to experience serious complications. Expanding the number of First Nations Credentialled Diabetes Educators is essential to addressing these urgent challenges.

“Culturally safe care delivered by First Nations health professionals improves trust, engagement, and outcomes.

鈥淟ouise鈥檚 leadership in delivering education across rural and remote Australia, and Josiah鈥檚 historic achievement as the first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner to become a CDE, will help ensure more people receive care that is culturally appropriate, trusted, and effective,鈥� she said.

ADEA CEO Melanie Morris congratulated Ms Gilbey and Mr Little on becoming CDEs and their career choices.

“We are incredibly proud of Louise and Josiah鈥檚 achievements,” Ms Morris said.

“As the impact of diabetes continues to be felt across communities, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, growing a culturally safe and community-connected specialist workforce is essential to ensuring people can access high-quality education and care close to home.

“ADEA is committed to supporting more First Nations health professionals to gain credentialling as it is an important step toward strengthening self-determination and delivering care that is culturally informed and community led.”

The CDE title is awarded by ADEA through a structured national credentialling pathway that combines postgraduate study in diabetes education, supervised practice, mentoring and workplace-based assessment to ensure consistent, high professional standards.

In a further development amplifying leadership in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diabetes workforce, 黑料网鈥檚 Lead Diabetes Educator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Aunty Grace Ward, an Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, was part of the UTS team who was recently recognised for the pioneering 鈥淲alking Together: a Parallel Practice鈥� model. The model is delivered as part of the UTS Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management, an ADEA-accredited program that forms a step within the ADEA鈥檚 credentialling pathway to become a CDE.

ADEA Vice President Dr Shannon Lin, also a Senior Lecturer and Diabetes Course Director at the UTS, Professor Lynn Sinclair, Dr Wenbo Peng, and Aunty Grace received an AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for 2025 for the model.

The AAUT, coordinated by Universities Australia, recognises excellence and innovation in learning and teaching across the higher education sector, with citations recognising individuals or teams who have made a significant and sustained contribution to improving the quality of student learning.

Learn more about the ADEA credentialling pathway to become a CDE:

The starter鈥檚 gun has fired for a pollie-powered peloton as the 19th PolliePedal began its 300km ride with a visit to a Hobart primary school, before winding through some of Tasmania鈥檚 scenic routes and locations over the next three days.  

Riders called in to Margate Primary School on Hobart鈥檚 southern suburbs on the first leg of their ride to speak with students and raise awareness of life with diabetes. 

The riders are led by Tasmanian Deputy Premier Guy Barnett for the 19^th time and include riders living with diabetes and supporters of the diabetes community.   

Funds raised will go to cutting-edge research into diabetes prevention and the search for a cure; giving young people living with diabetes a sense of community through programs like DiaBuddies; as well as wider community programs that directly support people living with diabetes.    

黑料网 Group CEO Justine Cain thanked Mr Barnett and all the riders for their ongoing support of the diabetes community.  

鈥淧olliePedal Tasmania is more than a cycling event, it鈥檚 a statement of support for people living with diabetes, and we鈥檝e seen incredible generosity from participants and sponsors over nearly two decades,鈥� she said.   

鈥淓very kilometre cycled, every dollar raised, and every story from people living with diabetes helps to reduce the impact on individuals, families, and communities.   

鈥満诹贤� is very proud to again partner with Deputy Premier Barnett, who brings his own powerful experience living with type 1 diabetes and continues to inspire new generations.  

鈥淭hank you to the many individuals, sponsors, and supporters, who will make this year鈥檚 ride a success,鈥� Ms Cain said. 

Since 2006, Pollie Pedal has raised more than $890,000 for vital diabetes research and community support programs, while covering more than 5,000 kilometres.   

Donations are open to support people living with diabetes while the peloton cycles through some of Tasmania鈥檚 most stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to coastal roads. To donate visit   

A new strategic partnership between 黑料网 and Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited will fund research into cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).

The partnership will see almost $600,000 invested, beginning with an $80,000 first-round investment to identify the research priorities that matter most to the CFRD community.

Around one third of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis develop CFRD as a complication, which is believed to develop as part of cystic fibrosis through damage to the pancreas, resulting in both insulin resistance and insufficiency.

CFRD requires careful management to protect lung health, prevent nutritional decline, maintain healthy weight and strength, and to lower the risk of infection. 

黑料网 Group CEO Justine Cain said the agreement demonstrates the organisation鈥檚 commitment to Australians living with all types of diabetes.

鈥淭his partnership will turn evidence into action, creating a positive impact in people鈥檚 lives.

鈥淐ystic fibrosis is a devastating chronic condition but developments in treatment and management have significantly improved outcomes for individuals,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淏oth diabetes and cystic fibrosis are strongly influenced by genetic factors, meaning there are real opportunities for developing more effective management.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to partner with Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited to amplify research impact, and to support innovation that puts lived experience at the heart of research.鈥�

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited Director and Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO Petrina Fraccaro said the investment in research would help address misunderstandings while focusing on lived experience. 

鈥淐ystic fibrosis related diabetes is one of the most common and serious complications of cystic fibrosis, yet it remains widely misunderstood and under-recognised. This partnership represents a critical step toward ensuring research priorities are shaped by lived experience and focused on the real-world challenges faced by Australians living with CFRD,鈥� she said.

鈥淐FRD is a form of pancreatogenic, or Type 3c diabetes, caused by progressive damage to the pancreas. It is fundamentally different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and requires specialised approaches to care, research, and support.

鈥淎s people with cystic fibrosis live longer, addressing complications like CFRD is essential. This investment signals an important commitment to improving both quality of life and long-term health outcomes for our community,鈥� Ms Fraccaro said.

The first funding call will support a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the CFRD community with a national approach and focus on lived experience. This will assist in identifying research topics for future funding investment to advance the development of evidence-based solutions to address issues that matter most to the CFRD community.

Identified priorities will be shared with the CFRD community including aligned research funding agencies with invitations to collaborate, coordinate and co-fund research investment at the conclusion of the identification phase.

Calls for project proposals nominations are anticipated to open in March 2026.   

Partnerships like this are part of the 2025-2030 黑料网 Research Strategy, which supports research that is informed by lived experience. For more information please visit /current-research-projects/

About CFRL

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited (CFRL) was established in April 1990 by Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to administer and grow bequests and donations to further cystic fibrosis research priorities. The objective of CFRL is to act as custodian of a 鈥楥apital Fund鈥� for the purpose of facilitating research into, investigation of and the eventual cure of cystic fibrosis.