Australia’s diabetes epidemic is costing the well being system a staggering $9.1 billion every year – nearly thrice greater than beforehand estimated, in response to up to date estimates from Diabetes Australia.
The diabetes epidemic is likely one of the largest well being challenges dealing with Australia. Greater than two million individuals are residing with all forms of recognized and undiagnosed diabetes. Each 5 minutes one other Australian is recognized and with out sturdy funding in prevention, as much as 3.6 million individuals could possibly be residing with diabetes by 2050.
In 2020-21 the Australian Institute of Well being and Welfare estimated $3.4 billion of expenditure within the well being system was attributable to diabetes.
Utilizing alternate strategies, knowledge sources and analytical approaches, the brand new evaluation, which takes under consideration nationwide and worldwide proof of the surplus well being prices of diabetes, and the present prevalence of diabetes within the Australian inhabitants, exhibits the present price is probably going nearly threefold.
Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain mentioned the newest estimates sound a warning for governments and healthcare suppliers that Australia’s diabetes epidemic requires an emergency response.
“The price of diabetes to people and our nation is staggering. With out pressing motion to reverse the present pattern, our well being system will likely be overwhelmed.
“We want a raft of initiatives to assist forestall kind 2 diabetes the place we will, and forestall the expensive issues of all forms of diabetes in people who find themselves already residing with the situation. By doing that, we might help ease the strain on the entire well being system.
“Whereas a $9 billion price to the well being system is astounding, sitting behind that determine are thousands and thousands of Australians whose lives are being affected by diabetes and who want help to forestall critical issues like coronary heart illness, stroke and imaginative and prescient loss,” Ms Cain mentioned.
Diabetes Australia has pointed to consciousness packages for melanoma and breast most cancers which have delivered profitable prevention outcomes, advocating for a similar give attention to diabetes.
“Australia is lagging behind different OECD nations in how we fight diabetes. We all know that schooling and public well being initiatives selling wholesome diets and lively life could make a big distinction.
“Genetics performs a key position within the improvement of kind 2 diabetes, however we additionally know that as much as 58% of diagnoses could be prevented or delayed by means of life-style modifications. We have to enhance public consciousness about that so individuals know their threat elements and might take constructive steps for his or her well being,” Ms Cain mentioned.
Diabetes Australia is advocating for presidency funding in public schooling campaigns and initiatives to assist cut back the price of diabetes on the well being system.
“We want a nationwide diabetes prevention strategy, backed by elevated consciousness, school-based initiatives, and insurance policies like higher meals labelling to cut back the chance of kind 2 diabetes and diabetes issues,” she mentioned.
“Investing in prevention is an funding in Australia’s future.”
About Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia is the nationwide organisation supporting all individuals residing with or prone to diabetes. We put individuals first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, shoppers, well being professionals, researchers and the group.
For extra info go to: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
For info: Monica Rostron, Diabetes Australia – 0409 126 332
[email protected]
