Position Statements

As a leading voice on diabetes issues, Diabetes Australia produces position statements on issues that impact on people with diabetes, their friends, families and carers.

Diabetes Australia's position statement People with type 1 diabetes and Do It Yourself (DIY) technology solutions is designed to inform people about the latest trends in diabetes technology for people living with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes Australia believes that people with diabetes should have choice and access to diabetes management solutions that help them manage their diabetes to the best of their ability. Diabetes Australia understands that there are technologies being used by people with diabetes that are not approved for use by regulatory bodies, such as the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA).

These technologies are not commercially available and are ‘built’ by individuals with diabetes for their own use. This position statement is written for people living with diabetes (and families of people living with diabetes) to provide background information on Do It Yourself (DIY) technologies, the potential risks and benefits of using these technologies, and what people should expect from healthcare professionals in supporting their use.

Diabetes Australia's position statement Low carbohydrate eating for people with diabetes draws on the latest evidence and provides practical advice and information for people with diabetes considering a low carbohydrate eating plan.

For people with type 2 diabetes, there is reliable evidence that lower carb eating can be safe and useful in lowering average blood glucose levels in the short term (up to 6 months). It can also help reduce body weight and help manage heart disease risk factors such as raised cholesterol and raised blood pressure.

Diabetes Australia's position statement Glucose self-monitoring in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is designed to help make it easier for Australians living with diabetes to self-monitor their glucose levels and better self-manage their condition.

Glucose self-monitoring is one of the most important parts of diabetes management. It is also an area that is rapidly changing and can be confusing for people with diabetes. The position statement is designed to give people the information they need to decide the type of glucose monitoring that is right for them. It explains the technologies available, the pros and cons and the evidence for each.

Diabetes Australia recommends that the Australian Government introduce a health levy on sugar-sweetened beverages, as part of a comprehensive approach to decreasing rates of overweight and obesity, and reducing the impact of type 2 diabetes. Revenue generated should support public education campaigns and initiatives to prevent chronic conditions (including type 2 diabetes) and address childhood obesity.

Diabetes Australia encourages journalists and others writing about diabetes for the general public to reflect on the language they use and its power to encourage or discourage people living with diabetes.

Diabetes Australia believes optimal communication increases the motivation, health and well-being of people with diabetes; furthermore, that careless or negative language can be de-motivating, is often inaccurate, and can be harmful. We recommend taking the time to read the Language for Diabetes Position Paper:.

Diabetes Australia, along with the Australian Diabetes Society and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, has developed a position statement outlining our position on biosimilar substitution and pharmacy-level substitution.

Diabetes Australia's response to the inclusion of a new Medical Standard for Licensing, part of the Austroads and the National Transport Commission updated guidelines for Assessing Fitness to Drive.

Diabetes Australia urges Australians to discuss individual diets with their healthcare team.

Diabetes is serious and complex in all its forms - type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and other variants. The public/media discussion about diabetes should not be dominated by "diets" - this is not helpful. A focus on one particular type of diet is not helpful.

As a member of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) Diabetes Australia supports the provision of nutrition labelling on menus at fast food and snack food chain outlets as an important element of a comprehensive obesity prevention strategy.

As a member of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) Diabetes Australia supports this overview of evidence concerning alcohol use and chronic disease risk.

As a member of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) Diabetes Australia supports this statement concerning alcohol and taxation.

As a member of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) Diabetes Australia supports this statement concerning stronger labelling on alcohol.

As a member of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) Diabetes Australia supports this statement concerning the need for regulation on alcohol advertising.

This position statement is for people with type 2 diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes to help them make decisions about bariatric surgery.

Diabetes Australia, in partnership with health and community organisations, support the Rethink Sugary Drinks initiative. As part of the initiative, eight of the partner organisations have signed a consensus statement with a series of recommendations around tackling the over consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Read more information about the initiative on the Rethink Sugary Drinks website.