Diabetes Victoria CEO Craig Bennett has called on the 300,000 Victorians living with diabetes to actively participate in the formation of the National Diabetes Strategy.

People affected by diabetes, health professionals and researchers are encouraged to have their say as the Commonwealth Government consults on the best ways to combat the growing epidemic and help people to better manage this condition.

The Commonwealth Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, has released a consultation paper, prepared by the National Diabetes Strategy Advisory Group, as part of the process. The consultation paper can be found at: https://consultations.health.gov.au The consultation phase will close on Sunday 17 May.

Unless checked, diabetes will account for the greatest burden of disease in our community by 2017, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2010). Diabetes is estimated to cost the Victorian community $3.6 billion a year.

“In Victoria we have 74 new cases every day – around 27,000 new diagnoses in 2014. In light of these rapidly increasing numbers we are encouraged that diabetes is on the Commonwealth Government’s agenda,†Mr Bennett said.

â€We think that a wide consultation will get the best outcomes for people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk, including people from different ethnic groups and vulnerable communities,†Mr Bennett said.

“We know that the complications of diabetes include heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and amputation. This wider consultation will help with a strategy to prevent, detect and better manage diabetes in Victoria,†he said.

“We look forward to identifying the best way to address the impact of diabetes and build sustainable programs to reduce the impact on Victorian families, workplaces and communities.â€