The Great Debate Series During National Diabetes Week 2023 we are kickstarting Australia’s biggest conversation about the impact of diabetes in this country. A conversation to drive change, and to create hope for the future. The Great Debate Series will feature people living with diabetes and diabetes experts, discussing the big topics relevant to the future of diabetes in Australia. Co-hosted by Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain and Dr Norman Swan AM, the Great Debate Series is one way to join the conversation during National Diabetes Week. Join us this National Diabetes Week, 9 – 15 July 2023, either online or in-person by registering to attend one of our Great Debate events. Timely and affordable access: Who cares? Monday 10 July, 7.00pm (AEST) Virtual event Access to timely and affordable care is vital for people living with diabetes to help them manage and live well with diabetes. Australia has one of the world’s best health systems but, sadly, we know that people living with diabetes face a range of barriers to accessing the care they need. For example, too many people are missing out on the regular health checks they need to help manage their diabetes and reduce the impact of diabetes-related complications. What changes are needed to make accessing care easier and help reduce the impact of living with diabetes? Watch the debate The Great Debate series kicked off on Monday night with a fast moving and wide-ranging conversation on the topic of timely and affordable access to diabetes care. Brain drain: Is diabetes research in Australia in crisis? Tuesday 11 July, 6.00pm (AEST) Melbourne Town Hall (in-person) and live-streamed For more than 100 years, diabetes research breakthroughs have helped transform the lives of Australians living with all types of diabetes. From the discovery of insulin to technological breakthroughs like insulin pumps and glucose monitors through to the latest generation of diabetes medicines, research has played an integral part in improving people’s quality of life. Australia has world-class researchers but investment in diabetes research is falling, even as the number of people living with all types of diabetes continues to increase. How do we support and sustain a thriving diabetes research community to help Australia make measurable progress towards reducing the impact of the diabetes epidemic? Watch the debate Australia’s obesity crisis: Is there a magic pill? Wednesday 12 July, 6.15pm (AEST) Warrane Theatre, Museum of Sydney (in-person) and live-streamed “Australia urged to step up efforts amid global rise in obesity” “Rush for wonder diet drug” “Issue with diet drug revealed as shortage ends in Australia” “Call for government to ban junk food and drink marketing to kids” “A lifesaver surgery for people with diabetes” They’re the headlines we read every day. With 67% of Australian adults and 25% of children living with overweight or obesity, what should we make of such headlines? And is there a ‘silver bullet’ that could help reduce the impact of Australia’s obesity epidemic? Watch the debate Type 2 diabetes remission: Hype, hope or happening? Thursday 13 July, 6.30pm (ACST) (7.00pm AEST) SAHMRI Auditorium, Adelaide (in-person) and live-streamed Research has shown that it is possible for some people living with type 2 diabetes to reduce their average glucose level and sustain that reduction for a prolonged period of time (at least three months) without the need for glucose lowering medication. This is known as type 2 diabetes ‘remission’. While remission is not possible or appropriate for everyone living with type 2 diabetes, it offers hope for many and there are a growing number of Australians who have achieved remission. So, where are we headed with type 2 diabetes remission in Australia? Watch the debate Keeping pace with treatments and tech: Is Australia falling behind? Friday 14 July 12.30pm (AEST) Virtual event We are living through a technology-driven healthcare revolution. Research breakthroughs are leading to new therapies, medicines, and technologies at a faster pace than at any time in human history. This is particularly true of diabetes medicines and technology. While Australians living with all types of diabetes can access a wide range of products to help them manage their condition, it is essential that our health system keeps pace with advancements to ensure people living with diabetes can experience the considerable benefits of new technologies and medicines. Is Australia doing enough to ensure Australians can access technology quickly and equitably? Watch the debate About the co-hosts Justine Cain Group Chief Executive Officer, Diabetes Australia Ms Cain joined Diabetes Australia as the Group CEO in November 2021. Ms Cain has more than two decades of senior executive experience within the health and human services sectors. Ms Cain’s experience includes executive management roles in Operations and Strategy for one of Australia’s largest health insurers, Director of Integration with a national assistive technology company within the Aged Care and Disability Sectors, as well as significant experience leading large scale national health services. Dr Norman Swan AM Dr Norman Swan AM is a multi-award-winning producer, broadcaster and investigative journalist. Dr Swan trained in medicine and paediatrics in Aberdeen, London and Sydney before joining the ABC. He hosts Radio National’s Health Report and during the COVID-19 pandemic co-hosted Coronacast, a podcast on the coronavirus. Dr. Swan is also a reporter and commentator on the ABC’s 7.30, Midday, News Breakfast and Four Corners, and a guest host on Radio National’s Breakfast. Register to attend in-person
