Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said the new figures showed there were now more than 186,000 Queenslanders living with type 2 diabetes registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

“There are now more than 186,000 Queenslanders living with type 2 diabetes and receiving Federal Government-subsidised education, support and services – that’s enough to fill Suncorp Stadium more than three-and-a-half times,” Ms Trute said.

“Diabetes Queensland is concerned there could be a further 515,000 Queenslanders living with type 2 diabetes who are undiagnosed, have prediabetes or are at high risk of developing the condition.

“Type 2 diabetes is the single biggest challenge facing Queensland’s health system and the new figures show how rapidly the number of people diagnosed with the condition is increasing.

“Unless we act now Queensland could see diabetes-related health care spending increase by as much as 500 per cent over three decades to 2032.”

According to the new figures:

• Yarrabah in far north Queensland saw the biggest increase with the number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes increasing by 41 per cent
• Rates of diabetes in Southern Downs Regional Council (which covers Stanthorpe and Warwick) grew by 15 per cent
• Rates of diabetes in Mount Isa Regional Council grew by 15 per cent
• Councils on the outskirts of Brisbane all saw significant growth with rates in Somerset increasing by 15 per cent, in Ipswich by 14 per cent, in Logan by 13 per cent and in Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim by 12 per cent
• Brisbane had a slower than average increase in rates of diabetes with numbers increasing by 8 per cent.

Ms Trute welcomed the Queensland Government’s $27 million commitment to theHealth For Life!prevention initiative but said the entire community had a role to play in tackling Queensland’s type 2 diabetes epidemic.

“International studies have shown type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in 58 per cent of cases, so programs like Health for Life! will have a measureable impact but Diabetes Queensland is encouraging all Queenslanders to be responsible for their own health,” Ms Trute said.

“Type 2 diabetes is serious, it is for life and the consequences can include blindness, limb amputation, kidney failure and, ultimately, death.”

Ms Trute also encouraged any Queenslander concerned about the rising rates of type 2 diabetes to have their say during the Federal Government’s National Diabetes Strategy consultation.

“During the last Federal election Diabetes Queensland lobbied all parties to adopt a National Diabetes Strategy and consultation for that strategy is now underway,” Ms Trute said.

“I would encourage all Queenslanders to have their say.”

People can provide feedback here: https://consultations.health.gov.au/phd-social-policy/nds/consult_view