Tasmania’s Parliament has welcomed a delegation of people living with diabetes, raising awareness of life with the condition, highlighting the importance of preventing complications, and sharing their stories about the positive impact that diabetes technology has on their daily lives.  

Meeting with lawmakers from across the political spectrum, the Diabetes Australia-led event heard about the impact preventative telephone health coaching programs like The COACH Program have in the Tasmanian community.  

Attendees also heard about the national campaign for more equitable access to technology including continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and automatic insulin delivery (AID) systems. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain thanked members of Parliament from all sides and all chambers for their interest and support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.  

“No one chooses diabetes, and thanks to the support of the Tasmanian Parliament, we’re taking big steps to support people living with diabetes in Tasmania to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” she said.  

“Just last weekend, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett led the 19th Pollie Pedal charity bike ride through 300 kilometres of Tasmanian scenery to raise money to support people living with diabetes, cutting-edge research, and activities to help prevent and delay diabetes.  

“We’re grateful for the support of the Tasmanian Government, through prevention programs like The COACH Program, which help support people in many vulnerable and at-risk communities right across Tasmania. 

“A big thank you to every Council and Assembly member for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.” 

Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing, the Hon. Bridget Archer, welcomed the delegation to Parliament.  

“I thank Diabetes Australia for its strong support of The Health Revolution, Tasmania’s 20-year preventive health strategy, and for its tireless work and ongoing partnership in improving diabetes outcomes for Tasmanians,” Minister Archer said. 

“Hearing first hand from people living with diabetes helps us to understand how we can ease the challenge of living with diabetes for people across the state.” 

Diabetes Australia State General Manager, Impact and Innovation (Tas) Minke Hoekstra said delivery of local prevention programs like The COACH Program were helping to prevent and delay diabetes and associated complications, like cardiovascular disease, by helping Tasmanians lead healthier lives.  

“More than 32,000 people live with diabetes across Tasmania, with another estimated 12,000 silently living with type 2 diabetes,” she said.  

“The COACH Program has seen positive outcomes over the last two years including improved glucose levels and increased physical activity.   

“These results show the importance of prevention programs that give people the tools and resources to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.  

“Thank you to all Assembly and Council members for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania – your support helps our community to thrive.” 

Around 50 people living with diabetes and their families and supporters gathered at Tasmania’s State Parliament on 18 March to discuss life with diabetes across all sides of Parliament.