Reports The increasing prevalence of diabetes has resulted in the vital need for research, analysis and discussion into the condition. This has resulted in a number of positive outcomes including reports that are beneficial for educating and informing health professionals. National Reports A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through Prevention In recent decades, diabetes has escalated from a dangerous life-threatening condition to a global health crisis. Today, more than 500 million people worldwide live with diabetes, a staggering 230% increase over the past 25 years, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Beyond the human toll, the financial burden is immense. Diabetes now costs the Australian health system an estimated $9.1 billion annually, equating to more than $6,000 for each person living with diagnosed diabetes. So, what can be done? Preventing type 2 diabetes, responsible for around 85% of all cases, is not only possible, its essential. In fact, when targeted to those at risk of type 2 diabetes, around 58% of cases may be prevented or delayed, and early detection and intervention may significantly reduce the risk of complications. This paper sets out clear goals and actions, grounded in extensive evidence, to guide Australia’s response. Unveiling the value of KeepSight: Enhancing diabetes-related vision care and preventing vision loss – Deloitte Access Economics (2025), Second Edition In 2019 ºÚÁÏÍø introduced a once-in-a-generation initiative to end avoidable vision loss and blindness for Australians with diabetes, by reminding people living with diabetes to get their eyes checked. It’s called . Now, more than 640,000 Australians with diabetes are registered with the program. This report provides evidence of the impact that is being made by simply reminding people to keep an eye on their sight. Read about the impact of KeepSight. Counting the cost of living with diabetes: Community consultation findings As the rising cost of living continues to impact Australians, people living with diabetes are struggling with the financial burden that comes with managing the condition. These findings from our 2024 national survey illustrate the challenges and concerns that are most affecting the diabetes community. More than 90 percent of people surveyed who are living with diabetes said they are feeling anxious about the rising cost of living. Three quarters of people worry that managing their diabetes will become unaffordable in the future; and around half say cost of living pressures are hurting the ability of the people they care for to manage their diabetes, placing their health at major risk. Read the full consultation findings report. State of the Nation 2024 Diabetes in Australia has reached a crisis point. As this State of the Nation report reveals, an unrelenting diabetes epidemic is unfolding nationally, with alarming rates of diagnosis in young people. More people being diagnosed with diabetes earlier ultimately means more Australians living longer with the condition, and at greater risk of developing severe complications. This trend is placing an unprecedented burden on individuals, the healthcare system, and the Australian economy. Over the past decade, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes between the ages of 21 – 39 has increased by 44%, while diagnoses before the age of 20 have risen by 17%. From 2013 to 2023, the total number of people known to be living with all types of diabetes in Australia rose by 32%. There is an urgent need to do more to prevent and promote remission of type 2 diabetes and to prevent the associated complications of diabetes, to expand access to technologies, improve access to the diabetes health workforce, and to ensure a more targeted investment in diabetes research to ultimately find a cure. Bold, innovative investments are needed to help Australia stem the tide of the diabetes epidemic. This report outlines priority recommendations to address the diabetes epidemic and underscores the opportunities for innovative solutions. Read the full State of the Nation 2024 report. 2023 Snapshot: Diabetes in Australia The diabetes epidemic is one of the largest and most complex health challenges Australia has ever faced. According to ºÚÁÏÍø’s 2023 Snapshot: Diabetes in Australia report, released on World Diabetes Day, there are now approximately 1.5 million Australians (about 5.6% of the population) living with all types of diagnosed diabetes and registered with the NDSS. In the years ahead, we will see a growing number of people developing diabetes, as well as increases in the impact of diabetes-related complications and the costs associated with supporting people with diabetes. Now is the time to act decisively to reduce the impact of the diabetes epidemic, save lives and safeguard the sustainability of Australia’s health system. In order to change the trajectory and create a future where diabetes can do no harm, diabetes research must be at the forefront of our response to the diabetes epidemic. We must act to intervene early through a systematic approach to preventing type 2 diabetes. And we must ensure people living with diabetes are connected to the right care and have access to the technology and medicines they need to live long and live well. Read the full 2023 Snapshot: Diabetes in Australia report. Change the Future: Saving Lives by Better Detecting Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease (2023) This report highlights the cost and health impact of diabetes-related kidney disease in Australia. It calls for a national kidney disease screening program for people living with diabetes to support earlier detection to enable treatment early when it is most effective. Read the report. Change the Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Epidemic (2022) The Change the Future report outlines the impact of the diabetes epidemic and identifies five priority areas for action. Heads Up on Diabetes and Stigma (2022) looks at the impact of stigma and judgment on people living with diabetes and outlines ways to reduce the stigma people experience. Diabetes in Schools Report (2017) The Diabetes in Schools was prepared as part of our advocacy for the program. It called for a nationally consistent program and a more systematic approach to supporting children with diabetes at school and in child care. Diabetes – the “State of the Nation” Report (2016) Diabetes – the “State of the Nation” attempts to identify all substantive new diabetes policy commitments or actions undertaken by the Australian and State and Territory Governments in 2015-16. A Strategic Framework for Action – National Diabetes Strategy (2015) The National Diabetes Strategy Advisory Group (NDSAG) prepared this Strategic Framework for Action to provide advice to the Australian Government as it develops its National Diabetes Strategy. The Economic Impact of Diabetic Macular Oedema in Australia (2015) 2015- The Deloitte Access Economics report ‘The Economic Impact of Diabetic Macular Oedema in Australia’ was commissioned and funded by Bayer Australia Ltd. The report is supported by Macular Disease Foundation Australia and Diabetes Australia. Insulin Pump Therapy in Australia – The Case for Action (2014) Insulin pump therapy can be life-changing and together with new technologies such as continuous glucose monitors, potentially life-saving for people with type 1 diabetes. Read the report. ºÚÁÏÍø National Strategy and Action Plan (2013) The National Strategy and Action Plan was launched during National Diabetes Week in 2013 in the lead up to the 2013 Federal election. Diabetes: the silent pandemic and its impact on Australia 2012- Diabetes: the silent pandemic and its impact on Australia Comprehensive report on diabetes and the impact in Australia. The report recommends: Increased understanding of the economic, and societal seriousness of diabetes and its complications, and of the escalating costs to individuals, families, workplaces, society and governments Sustained, nationally consistent programs to prevent, detect and manage diabetes in Australia. Funding for quality treatment is available and accessible to all to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its complications International Reports The World Health Organization , launched on World Health Day 7 April 2016 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (2015)
