Diabetes Australia has announced a new partnership with health company Medibank to support life changing research into type 2 diabetes prevention.

Diabetes Australia and the Medibank Better Health Research Hub will co-fund the Medibank and Diabetes Australia Research Award, a $200,000 two-year initiative designed to fast-track innovative, evidence-based interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes.

This is one of the first major industry partnerships announced as part of the recently launched Diabetes Australia Research Strategy 2025-2030.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the partnership will help to deliver the Strategy’s vision of accelerating the translation of research into real-world solutions.

“Through our partnership with Medibank, we’re investing in research that targets high-risk and under-served communities, ensuring that everyone has the chance for a healthier future,” Ms Cain said.

“More than 1.3 million Australians live with type 2 diabetes – it is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions in Australia. Every eight minutes, another person is diagnosed.

“When type 2 diabetes prevention initiatives are targeted to those at greatest risk, evidence shows around 58 percent of cases can be prevented or delayed, and early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

“By combining Medibank’s expertise and commitment to collaboration, with Diabetes Australia’s leadership in research and lived experience engagement, the partnership will drive ground-breaking research to reduce the burden of diabetes on individuals, communities and the health system,” she said.

Diabetes Australia’s transformative new research strategy aims to drive high-impact research through co-funded grants and awards that foster collaboration and innovation across the diabetes research landscape. This approach will amplify resources to support projects that improve diabetes prevention, management and treatment.

Medibank Group Medical Director Dr Shona Sundaraj said “we are delighted to partner with Diabetes Australia on this important research initiative. The rise in type 2 diabetes is a pressing health challenge and we’re pleased to support efforts that focus on prevention.”

Diabetes Australia is investing $40 million dollars in research over the next decade. The organisation is committed to partnering with industry, researchers and health system leaders to codesign and implement innovative research that fast tracks real-world solutions to address the unmet needs of people living diabetes, the health system and community.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia 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

About the Medibank Better Health Research Hub

The Medibank Better Health Research Hub champions research that addresses areas of health and health system need. With a focus on collaboration and research translation, we partner across the health sector to support Medibank’s 2030 vision to create the best health and wellbeing for Australia. For more information visit: Medibank Better Health Research Hub.