Brett Findlay had just started a new job when he learnt he had type 1 diabetes. He figured he could manage diabetes by keeping his blood glucose levels consistently low. Then, one fateful day, he had a severe hypo. In this raw episode of Life on the Level, Brett talks about hypo unawareness, rebuilding after trauma, and the enduring strength of family.  

A surprise diagnosis in his twenties��

“Aged 24, diabetes was not the diagnosis I expected,” Brett says. “I was managing a busy hotel venue on the Gold Coast, and I thought I was simply working too hard. I went to the doctor because I knew something wasn’t right. When the doctor got my test results, he called me straight back in.”  

Over the following years, Brett chose to manage his diabetes himself, rarely consulting health professionals. He thought that by running his levels constantly low, he could stay on track.  

Developing hypo unawareness��

Brett and his family relocated to Coffs Harbour, where he joined his brother in the banking industry. While he felt like he was on top of everything, Brett had developed hypoglycaemia unawareness, a dangerous condition when you become unaware of the early warning signs of a hypo. 

In 2023, Brett was shopping with his children when he had a seizure, losing consciousness and hitting the floor so hard that he fractured his skull. While Brett has no memory of the event, his six-year-old daughter grabbed her younger brother, covering his eyes. When the paramedics arrived, she told them her dad was a type 1 diabetic.   

Traumatic brain injury: a long road back��

“I woke up in the hospital yelling at everyone,” Brett recalls. “I didn’t understand what had happened.”  

Brett spent months in the hospital and rehabilitation in Sydney. Back at home, he receives support from the local brain injury rehabilitation service. While Brett tried to return to work six months after his injury, it didn’t go well. He is currently on a career break and planning a gradual return to work.  

Finding new ways to manage life with T1D and TBI��

Brett knows his story could have turned out differently had it not been for the Australian health system, income protection and his family. He’s keen to never put his loved ones through the trauma of another severe hypo. Brett now uses a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump, aiming to keep his blood glucose levels within a healthy range.  

“I want to be sure I’m here for my wife and kids,” Brett says. “It’s taken time to build up their trust again and show them that I can manage my diabetes.”  

Tune in: Brett’s full story��

In this episode of the Life on the Level podcast, Brett shares the pivotal experiences that forced him to re-evaluate his life and health. He also highlights the positives that have come from his journey, such as having more time for socialising and volunteering as a speaker to support other brain injury survivors. His story is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising what matters in life and the resilience of the human spirit.   

Hosted by young Aussies Isabella Magee and Sebastian Harris, Life on the level is a podcast that keeps things honest. No sugar-coating, no lectures — just open conversations about what it’s like to live with type 1 diabetes as a young person. The challenges, the awkward moments, the wins you don’t always talk about —it’s all here.  

If you’ve ever felt like no one really “gets it”, this podcast will remind you that you’re not on your own. Or if you know someone with diabetes, it will give you new insights into what it’s really like to live with.  

Season 2 in a nutshell  

This season shares stories that are relatable, reassuring, and inspiring. Isabella and Sebastian chat with guests who manage their diabetes alongside study, work, sport, relationships, mental health, and everything else life throws your way. These episodes make you think, laugh, or just feel seen. 

You can expect conversations about: 

• Navigating a diabetes diagnosis  

• Adjusting to life with type 1 diabetes 

• Managing motivation and mental health 

• Trying new things (and sometimes messing up) 

• Finding confidence, balance, and support 

• Living your life — not letting diabetes call the shots. 

During this season, you’ll hear from young men and women with different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives with each willing to share their story in the hope that it helps others living with diabetes.  

Who’s joining us this season?  

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the people on the podcast this season: 

• Brodie Sargent on being a country kid and a marathon world record chaser – Kick back with Brodie Sargent, tattoo artist, rugby player, marathon runner, and proud T1D advocate.  Brodie shares his laid-back (but driven) approach to life with type 1, from smashing goals on the field to raising awareness with 50km runs. We dive into his journey, getting inked and why a diagnosis doesn’t define what’s possible.   

• Nikki Findlay on mental health and a life full of adventures – Talking about burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges isn’t always easy, especially when you feel invisible. Nikki Findlay is changing that by using her voice to advocate for real, lasting change. In this episode, we sit down for an open and honest conversation about mental health, including discussions around suicide. It might be heavy and, if this one’s not right for you, that’s completely okay. 

• Brett Findlay on parenthood, brain injury, and resilience – At 25, Brett Findlay was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and later experienced a traumatic brain injury due to his diabetes. While his mates were out living their 20s to the fullest, Brett was forced to rebuild his life. In this powerful episode, Seb and Isabella sit down with Brett to talk hypo awareness, healing after trauma, and finding new ways forward. It’s honest, moving, and a reminder that there’s strength in starting again. 

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

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

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the government’s response shows it has heard the strong advocacy from the diabetes sector.

“������, 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,” Ms Cain said.

“There was a comprehensive package of measures recommended in the Inquiry’s report, and the government’s response to them is an important step forward.

“In 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.”  

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.

“We 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,” Ms Cain said.

“In this week’s 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.

“Equity 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,” Ms Cain said.

Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO Melanie Morris said “we welcome the government’s 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.

“Importantly, this includes support to improve access to Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), including in high‑risk outer metropolitan, rural and remote communities, as well as expanding MBS‑subsidised allied health services and access to longer consultations,” Ms Morris said.

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

“When 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’s diabetes community,” 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.

“We 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,” 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.

“These technologies aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they are absolutely necessary,” Ms Cain said.

“Right now, we’re seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford. Cost should never determine whether someone can access life‑changing care.

“We very much look forward to continuing the discussions with government on how we can make this a reality,” Ms Cain said.

Meet the Blue Circle Collective — a national network of Ambassadors, Advocates, and Advisers united to drive meaningful change for all Australians.  

What is the Blue Circle Collective? 

A national network of passionate Ambassadors, Advocates and Advisers, united to amplify the cause, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change in how diabetes is understood, supported, and addressed.  

At ������, we��recognise��that speaking means little unless��it’s��grounded in listening. The Blue Circle Collective strengthens our ability to hear directly from communities,��reflect��their lived experiences, and advocate for what truly matters. Whether��it’s��influencing policy, sparking grassroots action, or shifting public��perception, the Blue Circle Collective is a driving force for progress.��

Ambassadors, Advocates, and Advisers each have a distinct role, all connected by a common purpose. Whether influencing national policy, sparking grassroots action, or shifting public perception, members aren’t bystanders; they’re the driving force. 

” There has always been stigma surrounding people who live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and I believe one way to change that is for those with lived experience to help educate others.” – Dominic Speranza, Community Advocate 

Meet the Circle 

With the Blue Circle Collective spanning nationwide, we’re proud to introduce the powerful voices that represent and uplift the diabetes community across Australia. Our Ambassadors, Advocates, and Advisers come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, each bringing their own perspective to the Circle. 

#1 Ambassadors  

Ambassadors are high-profile voices who champion diabetes awareness on the national stage through media, public events, and major campaigns. As familiar faces, they share a real connection to the cause and a lifelong commitment.
 

Meet some of our 2026 Ambassadors: Warren Bingham, Lachlan Kennedy, Lara McSpadden, Isabella Magee, Bas de Ruijter, Gordon Bunyan 

#2 Advocates 

Advocates are passionate volunteers who speak from lived experience. They shape programs, share stories, and ensure real voices are heard where decisions get made — experts in what it’s like to live with diabetes. 

Meet some of our 2026 Advocates: Dominic Speranza, Lauren Cusack, Dr Amira Howari, Vicky Kavasilas, Sebastian Harris, Kate Wildermuth, Lucy Woods 

#3 Advisers 

Combining professional expertise with lived experience, Advisers guide ������’s Board and Management on strategy and research, translating community perspectives into authentic, impactful solutions. 

Meet some of our 2026 Advisers: Leon Tribe, Yvonne Appleby, Emma Bond, Jenna Cantamessa, Saradhi Motamarri, Caitlin Rogers, Caroline Thomas 

How Circle members make a difference 

Members contribute in ways that suit them, either sharing stories or insights that shape programs and services, participating in events and media opportunities, contributing to research and advocacy efforts, providing formal consultation to the ������ Board and Management, and supporting or leading community-driven initiatives. Some step into the spotlight; others work behind the scenes. Both matter equally. 

No matter how diabetes touches your life, your experience is important. Whether you live with diabetes, care for someone who does, work in the field, or are at risk, your experience matters. Your voice can help shape programs, support others, and make a real difference in the lives of families living with diabetes. 

“If you’re thinking about joining the Blue Circle Collective, please step in. Your voice, your story, and your individual circumstances truly matter. Each of your stories within the Circle can help us eliminate the impact of diabetes on all Australians.”  – Kirsten McMahon, National Manager Social Impact 

Want to learn more? 

Visit our website to discover how the Blue Circle Collective is creating change and get to know the stories behind the inspiring Australians driving it.   

One of Australia’s brightest stars is spearheading a newly formed group to amplify the voices of people living with diabetes.

Australian sprint champion Lachlan Kennedy, who lives with type 1 diabetes, is an ambassador with the Blue Circle Collective, a group of Australians living with diabetes throughout the nation, launched by ������.

Lachie broke the 10-second barrier in the 100m sprint twice at the recent Australian championships in Sydney, becoming the fastest man in Australia. Just 24 hours after running 9.96 seconds in the heats, despite a malfunctioning insulin pump and high glucose levels, Lachie clocked the same time in the final the next day.

He is aiming to break Patrick Johnson’s national record of 9.93 seconds this year and also join the ranks of elite athletes who have run 9.8 seconds.

“I’ve got more in the tank,” Lachie said. “The sky is the limit.”

This week, Lachie took time out of his busy schedule before he leaves for overseas to continue competing and prepare for the Commonwealth Games, to shine a light on the voices of people living with diabetes. ������’s Blue Circle Collective is working to ensure that lived experience of diabetes shapes the future of diabetes policy, care, and awareness in Australia.

The Blue Circle Collective brings together Ambassadors, Advocates and Advisers from around Australia who will share their perspectives of living with diabetes, raise awareness and help drive meaningful change in how diabetes is understood, supported and addressed.

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative places people living with diabetes at the centre of national conversations about the condition.

“People who live with diabetes every day must help shape, at every level, the decisions that affect their lives,” Ms Cain said.

“The Blue Circle Collective is about elevating real voices and real experiences so that policy makers, health leaders and the wider community better understand both the challenges and the possibilities of living well with diabetes.

“It’s a growing circle of changemakers who are united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for the millions of Australians affected by diabetes.”

Ms Cain said representatives of the Blue Circle Collective will be the heartbeat of ongoing advocacy and community engagement to support important initiatives to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions and long-term policy.

Lachie is determined to raise awareness about diabetes. This determination underlines what thousands of Australians living with diabetes face every day: the unrelenting, often invisible work it takes to stay well.

“I don’t make a big deal out of my diabetes but I’m aware some people living with type 1 diabetes don’t have access to insulin pumps. My glucose monitor and insulin pump help me to have healthy glucose levels, and there are rarely any issues,” said Lachie.

“Whatever happens, wherever I am, I still have to manage my diabetes. It’s an extra layer of daily decisions in my life and I’m grateful that I have the diabetes technology that I need. I want the same for every Australian living with type 1 diabetes.”

Lachie believes that living with type 1 diabetes has shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.

“I think I live a healthier lifestyle than I would have done if I hadn’t developed type 1 diabetes,” Lachie said.

“It forces you to be aware, to think about your body, to be disciplined. That definitely helps on and off the track.”

Ms Cain said Lachie’s success is a reminder of the strength and resilience within the diabetes community.

“Lachlan Kennedy is evidence that people with type 1 diabetes can do anything,” Ms Cain said.

“Lachie isn’t just an athlete. He’s a brave and resilient champion in every sense of the word.”

Ms Cain said the Blue Circle Collective reflects ������’s commitment to ensuring the voices of people living with diabetes are heard, respected, and central to shaping the nation’s response to one of its most urgent health challenges.

To share your interest and learn more about the Blue Circle Collective, please email bluecirclecollective@diabetesaustralia.com.au. Visit Blue Circle Collective.

About ������

������ is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We 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, researchers and the community. Our 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 systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.         

A young mother in Bendigo is asking the government to change the lives of Australians living with diabetes by making diabetes technology more affordable.

Expanding subsidies to make Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices more affordable for people living with diabetes is a key area of focus for ������ and the diabetes sector and was an important topic of discussion at the National Diabetes Summit on March 31.

For Caitlin, 32, diabetes technology is the difference between safety and risk for herself and for her eight-month-old son, Mac.

Caitlin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine. Like thousands of Australians, she grew up managing the complex autoimmune condition that requires constant vigilance, precise insulin dosing and round-the-clock monitoring to stay alive. For much of her childhood and young adulthood, that management relied on her Mum finger-prick testing her every two hours every night and multiple daily injections of insulin.

As a young adult, access to insulin pump therapy improved Caitlin’s glucose management, but cost meant she could only use continuous glucose monitoring intermittently until the Federal Government introduced subsidies for CGM devices for Australians with type 1 diabetes in 2022.

“That decision by government changed my life,” Caitlin said. “Managing my glucose levels became safer, easier and more predictable.”

Caitlin said she had been told from the time she was a young girl that if she decided to have children, she would have a high-risk pregnancy and would need to have strong control of her glucose levels to avoid complications for both her and the baby.

“Before I got pregnant, I worked extremely hard to keep my levels in the healthiest range. The CGM and insulin pump helped me manage healthy glucose levels.

“Even with that tight, successful management (and I worked extremely hard to control my glucose levels) I ended up with pre-eclampsia. When he was born, Mac was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit because of concerns about his glucose levels and there were a few other things, but he’s just fine,” she said.

Caitlin is acutely aware that her health is inseparable from her child’s safety.

“My baby’s wellbeing depends on my wellbeing,” she said. “I’m constantly thinking about my glucose levels when I’m driving, when I’m alone at home, when I’m caring for him.”

Despite the proven health benefits, access to AID systems that combine insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring remains out of reach for many Australians with type 1 diabetes due to cost.

“Technology is about dignity, safety and equity. People should never have to choose between managing a life-threatening condition or their family’s needs, like paying a mortgage or even putting food on the table,” Caitlin said.

The diabetes community has united in its advocacy to help ensure people living with diabetes can receive the right support and care.

“Diabetes technology saves lives, reduces complications and keeps people out of hospital,” ������ Group CEO Justine Cain said.

“Research shows that CGMs and insulin pumps are game-changing in managing glucose levels and preventing serious complications like heart attack, stroke, blindness and kidney disease.

“Diabetes management costs an individual thousands of dollars each year. It costs our health system billions of dollars each year. Diabetes technologies can help reduce those costs.

“It’s critical that the health sector, government, industry and the community work together to address the impact of Australia’s diabetes epidemic. The National Diabetes Summit is an important opportunity to strengthen that collaboration and drive meaningful action,” Ms Cain said.

If you are��a young Australian living with diabetes and you’ve ever thought, “I wish things were different,” — this program is for you.

Expressions of interest are now open for the International Diabetes Federation Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme. This is a global initiative open to anyone aged 18-30 years old living with diabetes who wants to make a real impact. 

������ is the only Australian organisation authorised to nominate candidates for the International Diabetes Federation Young Leaders Programme. Expressions of interest are now open.

What is the IDF Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme?��

The IDF Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) Programme brings together young people living with diabetes from around the world to lead change through advocacy, education, awareness, and community building. It is a volunteer program designed for people who want to contribute to meaningful diabetes projects and build leadership skills, empowering them to lead change, raise awareness, and stand up against stigma and discrimination.


As the sole Australian member organisation of the Western Pacific region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), ������ is proud to be the exclusive pathway for Australian youth to participate in the Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) Programme. We play a vital role in identifying, selecting, supporting, and nominating YLD trainees for IDF consideration.

�� 2025–2027 Cohort ��
79 Members	48 Countries	2–4 Hours per month commitment ��

What’s involved?

Who can apply?

Applicants need to be passionate about making a difference, open to learning new skills, and able to commit time to the Program and to delivering their project.��The full list of requirements to join the YLD trainee program includes:��

• Live with any type of diabetes��
• Aged between 18 and 30 by 30 November 2026��
• Able to communicate effectively in English (a video interview may be requested)��
• Have an active connection with an IDF Member Association��
• Be passionate about making a difference in the diabetes community��
• Have the desire to develop, execute, and report a diabetes project agreed with an IDF Member Association��
• Have reliable access to the internet for communication and reporting purposes��
• Be available two to four hours per month for the YLD program

Explore more about .

How the process works 

To become a YLD trainee, there are four steps for young Australians:​


Step 1: Express your interest by emailing ������ with your project idea
Step 2: ������ selects and nominates candidates to the IDF
Step 3: The IDF reviews all nominations and advises on successful candidates
Step 4: Successful trainees are awarded and begin their YLD journey

Ready to express your interest?

We’re excited to hear from passionate, young Australians ready to make a difference in diabetes advocacy. The next intake for the YLD program will be in October 2027, with applications opening in��April – September 2027. ​ To express your interest early, email us at:​ bluecirclecollective@diabetesaustralia.com.au

In your email, tell us:​


• What is your project idea​��
• Who you hope to reach​��
• What impact you want to make​��
• Any fundraising ideas you may have to support your project​��

Where can I learn more?

Find out everything you need to know, including what past leaders have gone on to do, at the links below:

������ ambassadors – Young leaders

Australia’s Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and the nation’s 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’s most complex health challenges.

Hosted by ������, 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.

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the Summit marked a critical opportunity for the nation to confront the diabetes epidemic.

“A challenge of this scale demands a national response,” Ms Cain said.

“Diabetes is one of the most serious and costly health challenges facing Australians.

“Every 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.

“Bringing national leaders together, alongside lived experience representatives, is a critical step toward delivering the coordinated response Australia urgently needs.”

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’s national response to the condition.

This critical national dialogue comes as diabetes continues to place enormous pressure on Australia’s 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.

“We 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,” she said.

“Preventing 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.”

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.

“Diabetes already costs the Australian health system more than $14.2 billion each year, and those costs are projected to reach $45 billion by 2050,” she said.

“If we act now, we can prevent complications, help people live healthier lives, reduce hospitalisations and strengthen Australia’s health system for the future.”

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’s 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’s opening address, and Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment and Access, will contribute to a key panel discussion on Australia’s 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’s most pressing health challenges.

������ Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed Minister Butler’s participation in the Summit and recognised the Federal Government’s commitment to the diabetes community.

“We 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,” Ms Cain said.

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

“The 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 – 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,” she said.

This event is hosted by ������, 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.

“We’re 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,” 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 ������  

������ is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We 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, researchers and the community. Our 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 systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.     

For information: Monica Rostron, ������ – 0409 126 332���������������������������������� mrostron@diabetesaustralia.com.au

Australia’s response to one of its most significant health challenges will come into sharp focus at ������’s National Diabetes Summit in March.

The landmark summit at Parliament House in Canberra will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians.

With two million Australians living with diabetes and growing pressure on hospitals, primary care and government budgets, the event aims to accelerate practical solutions and long-term policy change.

The summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring bold strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia’s health system for future generations. The program is designed to foster cross-sector dialogue, connect lived experience with decision-making, and translate evidence into action.

A key focus of the day will be engaging influential voices shaping national health policy and contributing to reforms that improve health outcomes and equity. Participants will include people living with diabetes, health system leaders, policymakers, advocates and decision-makers, creating a rare opportunity for direct exchange at the heart of government.

Following the summit, an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management, offering hands-on exposure to innovations already reshaping care and support across Australia.

The National Diabetes Summit is designed for those seeking to influence the future of diabetes policy and practice, understand emerging technologies, and contribute to a national conversation with real-world impact. It underscores the importance of coordinated leadership at a time when prevention, early intervention and equitable access to care and diabetes technology are more critical than ever.

The National Diabetes Summit will be held at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Official registration: