When blood glucose levels run high, people often assume it must be related to food choices, missed medication, or lack of exercise. While these are common causes, there are many other factors that can influence blood glucose levels.

Diabetes education programs emphasise that glucose levels are affected by a range of everyday factors including hormones, stress, illness, sleep, and hydration. This is why people sometimes see higher readings even when they feel they have done everything “right”. Understanding these less obvious influences can help explain unexpected glucose readings and support better diabetes management.

Below are five less common reasons your glucose levels may be higher than expected.

1. Stress and emotional pressure

Stress can have a significant impact on blood glucose levels. When the body experiences stress, whether emotional, physical, or psychological, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.  These hormones trigger the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream as part of the body’s natural “fight or flight” response. While this response is helpful in emergency situations, it can raise blood glucose levels in people living with diabetes.

Stress may come from many sources including work pressures, family responsibilities, illness, financial concerns, or even the ongoing demands of managing diabetes itself. Developing strategies to manage stress may help reduce this effect. Activities such as walking, meditation, breathing exercises, or spending time outdoors may help lower stress levels and support overall wellbeing.

Recognising the relationship between stress and glucose levels can also make unexpected readings feel less confusing or discouraging.

2. Poor sleep

Sleep plays an important role in regulating hormones that influence glucose metabolism. When sleep is disrupted or shortened, the body may become more resistant to insulin. This means glucose remains in the bloodstream for longer rather than moving into the cells where it is used for energy.  Sleep deprivation may also increase hunger hormones, making people more likely to feel hungry and crave high-energy foods.

Many adults benefit from seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Maintaining consistent sleep routines, limiting screen exposure before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment may help improve sleep quality. If poor sleep is ongoing, discussing this with a healthcare professional may be helpful as sleep quality can significantly influence diabetes management.

3. Dehydration

Hydration is another factor that can affect glucose levels but is often overlooked. When the body becomes dehydrated, the amount of fluid in the bloodstream decreases. This can lead to a higher concentration of glucose in the blood.

High glucose levels themselves can also increase urination, which may further contribute to dehydration. This creates a cycle where dehydration and elevated glucose levels reinforce each other.  Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help support hydration and overall body function. Maintaining adequate fluid intake may be especially important during hot weather, illness, or increased physical activity.

4. Hormonal changes and the dawn phenomenon

Some people notice their glucose levels rise in the early morning even though they have not eaten overnight. This pattern is known as the dawn phenomenon. In the early morning hours, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and growth hormones to prepare for waking. These hormones stimulate the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.

In people without diabetes, the body typically produces additional insulin to balance this effect. However, in people with diabetes this response may not occur, leading to higher morning glucose levels. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or ageing can also influence insulin sensitivity and glucose patterns.

Identifying patterns in glucose readings may help determine whether hormonal changes are contributing to higher levels. 

5. Illness or infection

When the body is fighting illness or infection, glucose levels may increase even if a person is eating less than usual. During illness the body releases stress hormones that increase glucose production to provide energy for the immune system. As a result, glucose levels may rise despite reduced food intake.

When you are living with diabetes, monitoring glucose levels more frequently during illness can help identify changes early. Staying hydrated and following individual sick-day management plans may help manage glucose during these periods. If glucose levels remain very high or symptoms worsen, medical advice should be sought.

Blood glucose levels are influenced by far more than food alone. Stress, sleep, hydration, hormones, illness, medications, and daily routines can all affect how the body regulates glucose. Recognising these factors can help people understand unexpected readings and make informed decisions about their diabetes management.

Monitoring patterns over time and discussing concerns with healthcare professionals such as doctors, diabetes educators, or dietitians can help identify underlying causes and guide appropriate adjustments. Understanding the many factors that influence glucose levels can make diabetes management feel less frustrating and help you respond more confidently when their readings change.

By Robbie Tyson, Credentialled Diabetes Educator

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

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended Wegovy (semaglutide) be subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity.  

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain has welcomed the recommendation and comments from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler indicating the government would work with manufacturer Novo Nordisk to list the medication, making it more affordable for Australians.  

“Supporting individuals who want to lose weight is an important part of type 2 diabetes prevention, and ensuring the affordability of medicines that help people achieve that goal is critical.  

“There are many factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes including genetics or family history, but in 58% of cases it can be prevented or delayed. Supporting Australians with affordable access to weight loss medicines is one of the tools that can help with this,” Ms Cain said. 

The published recommendation states that the subsidy should be provided “for adults with established cardiovascular disease (eCVD) with obesity. Patients must have already experienced a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, stroke, or have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.” 

The Diabetes Alliance*, led by ������, made a joint submission to PBAC’s November 2025 meeting regarding the importance of access to GLP-1 RA medicines (such as semaglutide) for the treatment of obesity, due to the increased risk of chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  

“It’s excellent to see the advice of the sector being positively received,” Ms Cain said. 

“This separate recommendation about Wegovy is a helpful step in the management of obesity and ongoing efforts to reduce the rates of chronic conditions in Australia.” 

Over 1.3 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes and another 2 million are at risk of developing the chronic condition.  

* The Diabetes Alliance includes ������, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society, Breakthrough T1D, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. 

As Australians prepare for a festive season filled with food, family and good wishes, people living with diabetes are being encouraged to approach the holidays with confidence by planning ahead and making mindful choices to protect their health.

Christmas is traditionally centred around shared meals, and this year a range of fresh, vibrant and nourishing recipes have been developed to help households create a festive table that is both delicious and diabetes-friendly.

The recipes include colourful veggie Christmas trees, jewelled quinoa with salmon, strawberry Santa hats and spiced nuts, offering lighter, balanced alternatives to traditional festive fare. The focus is on flavour, presentation and enjoyment, while supporting stable blood glucose levels.

Planning is particularly important during an Australian summer, when heat, travel, disrupted routines and increased social activity can all affect diabetes management.

Health professionals advise people with diabetes to prepare early for public holiday pharmacy closures by ensuring they have sufficient medications, insulin, monitoring supplies and hypo treatments . Maintaining regular medication timing and glucose monitoring, even during busy holiday periods, can help reduce unexpected fluctuations.

Alcohol and rich festive foods can also present challenges.  Alcohol can unpredictably raise or lower blood glucose, especially with diabetes medications. Risks can be reduced by eating carbohydrate-rich foods with alcohol and avoiding drinking on an empty stomach.

More frequent glucose monitoring may be needed after large meals or social events. People using GLP-1 medications are also advised to be cautious with portion sizes as overeating can increase the risk of nausea and digestive discomfort.

Travel is another key consideration. Medications and diabetes devices should always be carried in hand luggage, as checked baggage may be exposed to temperature extremes or delays. Insulin should be stored in a cool environment but never frozen. Those travelling overseas are advised to carry a doctor’s letter outlining their diabetes management needs and any devices they use.

Emotional wellbeing is also an important part of diabetes management during the festive season. If feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your diabetes support network or a mental health professional. You’re not alone in navigating holiday challenges.

With early preparation, thoughtful food choices and consistent routines, Australians living with diabetes can enjoy a happy and healthy festive season .

Festive recipe ideas are available at:/blog/create-a-festive-spread-for-all-to-enjoy/

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For many people living with type 2 diabetes, the idea of remission, where blood glucose levels return to a range that doesn’t indicate diabetes without the need for glucose-lowering medication, can sound like a dream come true. In recent years, research has suggested that remission is possible for some individuals, especially with early intervention and lifestyle changes. However, it’s important to approach this concept with caution, realism and, above all, a commitment to long-term sustainable health, not just short-term results. 

What is diabetes remission? 

������’s defines remission as maintaining blood glucose levels below an HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) for at least six months, without glucose-lowering medication. Diabetes remission is not a cure, diabetes can return, but it does represent a state of improved metabolic health. 

Some people achieve remission through significant weight loss, often after bariatric surgery or very low-calorie diets. Others may reach remission through gradual, sustainable changes in diet and activity, especially in the earlier stages of the condition. However, not everyone will achieve remission, and that’s okay. Managing blood glucose and preventing complications remain worthwhile and meaningful goals. 

Remission: The debate continues 

While the potential for remission is promising, not all researchers agree that it should be a primary or universal goal. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology—Type 2 Diabetes Remission: A Critique of Current Definitions and Frameworks raises important questions about the consistency and sustainability of remission claims. The study highlights that there are nearly 100 different definitions of remission used in scientific literature, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about how many people truly achieve it, or for how long. 

The authors argue that focusing too narrowly on remission may overlook the chronic, often progressive nature of type 2 diabetes and create unrealistic expectations. In some cases, patients may feel like they’ve failed if remission isn’t achieved, despite making significant health improvements. The study also notes that most people who achieve remission do so through substantial weight loss, often 10–15kg or more. This may not be attainable or maintainable for everyone, particularly older adults or those with barriers to physical activity. 

Instead, experts suggest that emphasising improvements in quality of life, reducing complications, and supporting individualised, sustainable changes may be more appropriate than chasing remission as an all-or-nothing goal. 

What about diet? 

At the heart of this journey is food, not restrictive, joyless eating, but balanced, varied, and nourishing meals that support both metabolic health and quality of life. Rather than eliminating entire food groups, many experts now encourage a more inclusive approach, drawing on the strengths of all five food groups in a sustainable way. 

Food choices play a central role in diabetes management and potential remission. But there’s no single diabetes diet. Rather, flexibility, variety, and a focus on whole, minimally processed foods tends to lead to better long-term outcomes. 

Managing expectations, supporting health 

It’s important to frame remission as one potential outcome, not the only marker of success. Many people living with type 2 diabetes never reach remission but still dramatically improve their health through better eating, more movement, and consistent care. 

There is also growing recognition that metabolic health involves more than glucose levels. Lipid levels, blood pressure, inflammation, sleep, mental wellbeing, and weight all contribute to overall health and diabetes outcomes. Improvements in any of these areas, regardless of whether full remission is achieved, can enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. 

Healthcare professionals now emphasise a whole-person approach, where goals are individualised and progress is measured in many ways, not just by the numbers on a lab report. 

Why blood glucose management is the most important goal 

While the idea of remission is motivating for some, it’s critical to remember that managing blood glucose within target ranges is the cornerstone of long-term diabetes care and often a far more realistic and sustainable goal than remission. 

Keeping blood glucose levels in target reduces the risk of both short- and long-term complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and more. These complications typically result from years of elevated blood glucose levels. That’s why steady, ongoing management even without the label of “remission” is so valuable. 

Small improvements matter 

One of the encouraging truths about type 2 diabetes is that every bit of improvement counts. Research shows that for every 1% reduction in HbA1c, the risk of major diabetes-related complications drops significantly, by as much as 21% for diabetes-related deaths, 14% for heart attacks, and 37% for microvascular complications. This means that even if your HbA1c moves from 8.5% to 7.5%, you’re making a real difference in your long-term health. 

Individualised targets 

Blood glucose targets aren’t the same for everyone. Factors like age, other medical conditions, medications, and risk of hypoglycaemia all influence what’s realistic and safe. A younger person newly diagnosed may aim for tighter management, while an older adult may need more flexible targets to prevent hypoglycaemia. 

Working with your a credentialled diabetes educator to set a personalised target, and then focusing on staying within that range, can empower you to improve your health without feeling pressured to achieve perfection. 

Daily management builds confidence and control 

Unlike remission, which may require significant and sometimes unsustainable interventions, managing blood glucose day-to-day is a learnable skill. Over time, understanding how food, movement, stress, and sleep affect your body can increase confidence and reduce diabetes-related distress. 

A note of encouragement 

Whether remission is your goal or not, adopting a more balanced, nourishing approach to eating benefits everyone. The aim isn’t perfection, but progress, eating a little better, moving a bit more, and showing compassion to yourself along the way. 

For some, remission may be achievable. For others, stable and consistent management is the most realistic and sustainable path, and is just as valuable. The emphasis should always be that remission is never the only “successful” outcome. 

The most important goal is living well, with a lifestyle that supports physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. With the right support, education, and care, every person with diabetes can make meaningful progress toward better health. 

By Robbie Tyson, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Accredited Practising Dietitian 

Users of the t:slim X2 insulin pump are being made aware of a malfunction that could stop the device from working.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has that certain versions of the insulin pump have a wiring problem with the speaker that could stop the delivery of insulin.

Australasian Medical and Scientific Ltd (AMSL) alerted the TGA to the failure which appears on device screens as Malfunction Code 16-0x20E6, or simply ‘Malfunction 16’. 

ARTG number	Catalogue number	Multiple serial numbers
304681	1002717	5317 unique serial numbers identified in Australia

What are the risks?

The problem could:

• Stop insulin delivery and disconnect the pump from the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and mobile app.
• Lead to hyperglycaemia if not addressed promptly.
• Require patients to seek medical intervention or hospitalisation in serious cases.
• Result in loss of real-time glucose data and trends.

What should I do?

• If Malfunction 16 has not occurred:
  • Continue using your pump as per the user guide.
  • Install the Tandem t:slim mobile app and enable push notifications. This ensures that if the problem does occur, you will be notified by the app.
  • If using a Dexcom sensor, use the Dexcom mobile app as a backup source for CGM alerts and alarms.
• If a Malfunction 16 occurs:
  • Acknowledge the alert by pressing “Silence Alarm.”
  • Contact AMSL Technical Support at 1300 851 056, who will arrange for a replacement pump.
  • In the meantime, switch to your backup insulin delivery method.

You should continue to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and ensure a backup insulin method is available as per the pump training and user guide.

Further information

Please contact AMSL on 1300 851 056 for further information. 

A software update is in development that will improve early detection of speaker failure and introduce persistent vibration alerts. Pump users will be notified when this software update becomes available.

Reporting problems

Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to . Your report will contribute to our monitoring of these products. For more information see the .

The TGA cannot give advice about an individual’s medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medical device.

Australians living with diabetes will save money from a further reduction in the cost of prescription medicines, with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) maximum co-payment for general patients set to fall to $25 from January 1 next year.

This reduction will apply to a wide range of PBS-listed medicines, including empagliflozin (Jardiance, Glyxambi and Jardiamet) and dapagliflozin (Forxiga, Qtern and Xigduo XR), which are among the most prescribed treatments for people living with type 2 diabetes. The lower co-payment will deliver significant financial relief for people managing diabetes, especially those who need multiple medicines on a regular basis.

According to the Federal Government, the last time Australians paid no more than $25 for a PBS prescription was in 2004. This change marks a return to that price point and follows a series of major reforms designed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

The reduction represents a more than 20 percent cut from the current general patient co-payment of $30. The government says it is expected to save Australians more than $200 million each year.

Pensioners and concession card holders will continue to benefit from the current co-payment freeze, with the maximum charge for PBS medicines held at $7.70 until 2030.

������ has welcomed confirmation that the supply of Ozempic (semaglutide) in Australia has stabilised, with prescribing and supply restrictions now lifted. 

Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has advised the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that national stocks have improved to the point where doctors can now prescribe Ozempic for new patients, and treatment can continue as normal for existing patients. This follows a prolonged global shortage that began in 2022 due to an unexpected increase in demand. 

Ozempic is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes when specific clinical criteria are met. It is not subsidised for weight loss or other off-label uses. A separate brand, Wegovy, also contains semaglutide but is approved only for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in people without diabetes. 

The TGA has also advised that a new 3 mL pen is replacing the previous 1.5 mL version of the Ozempic 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pre-filled pen. Further information is available through the TGA and Novo Nordisk. 

While supply is improving, it may take time for some local pharmacies to restock. If Ozempic is unavailable, pharmacists are encouraged to contact their wholesalers or Novo Nordisk for delivery updates. Patients can also speak with their pharmacist about when stock will arrive. 

������ will continue to monitor the supply of semaglutide medicines and support Australians living with type 2 diabetes to access their treatment. Patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor or pharmacist if they have questions about their medication. 

Youfoodz, a HelloFresh company, and one of Australia’s leading ready-made meal providers, has today confirmed a new national partnership with ������ to support the health and wellbeing of millions of Australians living with diabetes or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Good nutrition is fundamental for the effective management of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. With more than 2 million people currently living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, this partnership is a significant step toward helping Australians make better food choices while still enjoying the taste and convenience that ready-made meals can offer.

The partnership will focus on three key areas:

• Providing easy access to meals that meet ������’s nutritional guidelines
• Educating Australians about healthy eating and diabetes prevention
• Empowering people with practical, everyday food solutions

As part of the collaboration, later in the year, Youfoodz will launch a dedicated range of ������-co-designed meals, developed in consultation with ������’s team of accredited dietitians, researchers and health professionals. The new range will be designed to support the dietary needs of people living with all types of diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition.

The meals will be available online through the Youfoodz website and at selected retailers nationally. The range has a target of 24 meal options by the end of 2025.

To support the launch, Youfoodz and ������ will also co-develop a suite of resources including healthy eating guides, meal plans, recipes and expert advice to help Australians manage their health through a healthy diet. 

������’s Director of Research Professor Grant Brinkworth said the partnership will support people living with diabetes to have more choice as they maintain a healthy diet.

“We all live busy lives, and access to convenient healthy food options can make a real difference to diabetes management,” Professor Brinkworth said.

“This partnership is about making healthy eating easier, more accessible and more enjoyable for Australians living with diabetes. It’s so important for people to have options for healthy eating – and this is a great one.

“We are excited to work with Youfoodz to create meals that meet our food and nutritional guidelines and to develop resources that support people to make confident food choices every day,” he said.

The Managing Director of Youfoodz, Rajah Augustinraj, said the company is proud to be joining forces with ������ to make healthy eating more accessible and achievable for more Australians.

“Youfoodz is all about real food for the real world – where Aussies manage busy lives while also pursuing health goals.  With Youfoodz, better choices in what you eat no longer requires compromising on quality or taste.

“We know how busy Aussies’ lives have become. Through this partnership we are glad to bring more convenience and confidence in what they eat,” he said.

������ encourages people living with diabetes to have a discussion with their healthcare team about their individual dietary needs.

About ������

������ 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, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

������ has marked National Diabetes Week (13 – 19 July 2025) with two major initiatives designed to tackle Australia’s type 2 diabetes epidemic and improve outcomes for people living with the condition.

A policy paper released today calls on the Australian Government to more than double its investment in preventive health, lifting it to 5 percent of total health expenditure by 2030. A second report also highlights the importance of preventing complications, showing more than 560,000 Australians are reducing their risk of diabetes-related blindness through the KeepSight eye check reminder program.

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said both reports highlight the urgent need for national leadership and coordinated action to reduce the impact of diabetes on the health system and the lives of millions of Australians.

“Prevention is the most cost-effective and sustainable strategy to address the type 2 diabetes epidemic,” Ms Cain said.

“Preventing type 2 diabetes is not only possible, it is essential. Around 58 percent of cases can be prevented or delayed. Early detection of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also help to prevent serious complications.”

Report: A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through Prevention

The diabetes prevalence rate in Australia is increasing rapidly. Since 2000, the number of Australians diagnosed with all types of diabetes has risen by 220 percent from 460,000 to almost 1.5 million. If current trends continue, that number could reach 3.6 million by 2050.

������’s new policy paper, A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through Prevention, outlines four national priority goals:

1.  Prioritise reducing disparities and overcoming barriers
2.  Prevention and early detection of type 2 diabetes
3.  Strengthen support for diabetes self-management 
4.  Prevent complications and optimise diabetes management

“Many of the most serious complications, such as amputations, kidney failure and vision loss, can be prevented with timely, coordinated care and support,” Ms Cain said.

“Lifting investment in preventive health to 5 percent of national healthcare spending will save lives, reduce complications from chronic conditions like diabetes, and help keep our health system financially sustainable.”

Report: Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision Loss

As part of its commitment to preventing complications, ������ delivers KeepSight, a national reminder program encouraging people with diabetes to have regular eye checks.

Since its launch in 2019, KeepSight has helped more than half a million Australians reduce their risk of diabetes-related blindness by over 90 percent. More than 8,000 people join the program each month, and over 60 percent of those who receive reminders return for ongoing checks within the recommended timeframes.

A new report, Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision Loss, highlights the success of the program and the importance of regular screening in detecting diabetes-related retinopathy and vision issues before symptoms appear.

“Diabetes is relentless. People manage multiple health concerns every day, and eye checks can slip down the priority list,” Ms Cain said.

“KeepSight provides a simple, effective nudge that helps people take action. It’s a great example of how digital health interventions can improve outcomes and change behaviour.”

Most participants are referred to KeepSight by their optometrist, with more than 80 percent of the major and independent optometry providers integrated in the program. It is publicly/privately funded by the Australian Government and founding partner Specsavers, with support from the eye sector including Vision 2020 Australia, RANZCO, and Optometry Australia.

Vision 2020 Australia CEO Carly Iles said the program breaks down common barriers to care.

“Cost, access, or even fear of a diagnosis can prevent people from getting checked. KeepSight helps reduce those barriers by offering reminders and reassurance from a trusted source,” Ms Iles said.

The report positions KeepSight as a national benchmark for coordinated diabetes eye care, bringing together government, optometry, ophthalmology and health bodies to ensure consistency and quality across the sector.

Ms Cain said both the policy paper and KeepSight report demonstrate the importance of preventing diabetes complications.

“This is a turning point. We must act now to prevent more people from developing type 2 diabetes and ensure better care and outcomes for those already living with the condition.”

Background

• Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions in Australia.
• Every 8 minutes someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with increasing rates among young people.
• 1.3 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes
• 2 million Australians live with all types of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes.
• Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $9.1 billion annually.
• Type 2 diabetes prevention includes healthy lifestyle programs, early detection, and improved access to care for at-risk populations.

About ������

������ 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, state-based diabetes organisations, researchers and the community.

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