Diabetes across the country has hit a crisis point according to a new report released today by Diabetes Australia.  

The 2024 State of the Nation report – launched at an event at New South Wales Parliament – shows the diabetes epidemic shows no sign of abating, with alarming rates of type 2 diabetes diagnosis in younger people. 

In the last decade Australia has seen a 44% increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes between the ages of 21 and 39, and a 17% increase in diagnosis before the age of 20. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are experiencing the world’s highest rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes, with the prevalence in 15 – 24 year olds doubling over the past five years. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said it was deeply concerning that Australia has no national diabetes prevention plan in place.  

“The current state of play is failing our young people,” Ms Cain said. 

“We need urgent action to prioritise diabetes prevention, and the prevention of diabetes complications.

“The diabetes epidemic is growing at an alarming rate – more than 300 people are being diagnosed every day.  

“For decades there have been calls for a national diabetes prevention plan, and today – with an estimated 2 million Australians living with the condition – we still don’t have one.  

“Prevention is the only thing that will protect future generations of Australians from the costly impact of living with type 2 diabetes,” Ms Cain said.  

Diabetes Australia’s report comes at a critical time in the national conversation about diabetes, with a Federal parliamentary inquiry expected to hand down its findings soon.   

“We need to see bold recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee that will help our country stem the tide of the diabetes epidemic,” Ms Cain said.  

“Greater investment in initiatives to prevent type 2 diabetes and to prevent the devastating complications of all types of diabetes is the key.” 

The State of the Nation includes 25 recommendations covering prevention, treatment, more support for vulnerable communities and greater investment in research.  

Among them are recommendations regarding the introduction of a 20% health levy on sugar-sweetened beverages as a population-wide diabetes prevention measure; the promotion of type 2 diabetes remission; the introduction of a national diabetes kidney screening program; and an urgent increase in funding for diabetes research.  

The report also recommends the introduction of a new training program for aged care staff supporting residents living with diabetes; the development of a strategic plan to grow the diabetes health workforce; and MBS rebates for general practice visits that are focused on diabetes prevention and screening.  

View the full State of the Nation 2024 report.