In a major win for Australia’s diabetes community, the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region (IDF WPR) Congress 2026 will be held in Melbourne, led by Australia’s leading diabetes organisations.

The Congress is the region’s most significant diabetes event and will be held in conjunction with the Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC). The events will be co-hosted by Diabetes Australia, Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association.

The event is expected to attract more than 2,500 global leaders in diabetes care, research, education and advocacy to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over four days from August 18-21. Delegates will include clinicians, researchers, policy experts, educators and people living with diabetes from across the Western Pacific, the IDF’s largest and most affected region.

With 215 million adults in the Western Pacific now living with diabetes, which is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia, the Congress will serve as a critical platform for accelerating action, shaping policy and forging new collaborations to improve outcomes for people living with or at risk of diabetes.

“This Congress could not come at a more urgent time for Australians living with diabetes,” said Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain.

“Globally, one person is diagnosed with diabetes every 3 seconds. In Australia, more than 300 people are diagnosed every day.

“The impact of this costly condition is being felt across the nation. Hosting this Congress sends a clear message: diabetes is a national and global health emergency, and we are committed to working with the world’s best minds to deliver impact and innovation.”

“This congress is a chance to hear and learn from world-leading researchers, clinicians and health professionals. It will elevate the voices of people living with diabetes and shape policies that will save lives and reduce the burden of diabetes on our health system,” Ms Cain said.

Diabetes costs the Australian health system around $14.6 billion each year. Experts warn that without coordinated action the economic and social toll will continue to escalate.

Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO of the Australian Diabetes Society, said the Western Pacific region is at the epicentre of the global diabetes crisis.

“This Congress is an opportunity to showcase the latest research and evidence-based innovations in prevention, treatment and management. From cutting-edge therapeutics to integrated models of care, the program will support practical outcomes for health systems and people living with diabetes.”

“Australian researchers are already leading the way in diabetes technology and clinical practice. The Congress will foster the critical exchange of knowledge across borders and disciplines.”

Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO Susan Davidson said credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) and other health professionals from around the region would gather in Melbourne for the Congress which is an important professional learning opportunity.

“There is an urgent need in Australia and the Western Pacific region for better access to CDE services and hosting this conference in Melbourne will enable health professionals in the region to learn about the latest and most significant developments in diabetes management and care, as well as develop their professional networks and knowledge-share with their regional colleagues.”   

“Aligning the IDF Congress with ADC will continue to ensure CDEs and other health professionals have access to the most up to date advice for people living with diabetes,” Ms Davidson said.

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) joined in the successful bid for the IDF WPR Congress, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.

A groundbreaking new partnership between Diabetes Australia and nib foundation will improve the lives of people living with both diabetes and disability.

The three-year initiative is one of the projects made possible by nib foundation’s recent Better Health Partner grant. Funds will enhance support for disability caregivers, equipping them with the specialised knowledge and practical skills needed to provide safe and effective diabetes care.

With this support from nib foundation, Diabetes Australia will kickstart the Safely Injecting Insulin program. The pilot program will train disability support workers so they have the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to safely inject insulin.  

Diabetes Australia Group CEO, Justine Cain, said the partnership represents a significant shift towards a more integrated and fairer model of care.

“We know that people living with both diabetes and disability face unique health challenges, and unfortunately, they often have limited access to appropriately trained carers,” Ms Cain said.

“This partnership with nib foundation will change lives by ensuring that people receive the right care at the right time, improving their overall health and quality of life.

“This initiative will also ease pressure on health professionals and the broader health system by ensuring that disability support workers have the confidence and skills to support a person living with diabetes.”

The goal is to ensure it becomes standard for every person living with diabetes and disability to have access to appropriately qualified carers. This will enable more timely and personalised care, reduce preventable complications, and create better overall health outcomes.

nib foundation CEO, Amy Tribe, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to reducing the burden of chronic disease and improving equitable access to care.

“Our vision at nib foundation is for all people to live longer in better health, and that means supporting innovative initiatives that enable prevention and health equity. This partnership with Diabetes Australia aligns with our mission to reduce disparities in healthcare and improve support for those who need it most,” Ms Tribe said.

“Working with the national peak body for people living with diabetes, we’re confident this partnership between Diabetes Australia and nib foundation will create real impact.

“By investing in partnerships that focus on early intervention and better health outcomes, we can help transform the healthcare experience for vulnerable populations, including people living with both diabetes and a disability.”

Over the long term, nib foundation and Diabetes Australia hope to use the pilot program’s data to build a compelling case for making the training an industry standard. 

About nib foundation

nib foundation was created in 2008 as an independent charitable trust following a $25 million donation from nib. These funds were raised through the issue of new shares at the time of listing nib on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in November 2007. Today, nib continues to support our mission of helping people and communities live healthier lives by providing unclaimed dividends from their shareholder base.

For more information: nib foundation

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, researchers and the community.

For more information: Diabetes Australia

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is urging the diabetes community to remain alert following the detection of counterfeit Ozempic-labelled injection pens at the Australian border. These fake products pose a serious risk to health and should not be used under any circumstances.

Although the counterfeit pens closely resemble genuine Ozempic 1mg products, they are falsely labelled with the batch number MPSD916, which has been confirmed as non-genuine by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. In addition to the fake batch number, typographic inconsistencies, such as altered text spacing and bolding, have been noted on the packaging.

These counterfeit medicines have not been assessed for quality, safety, or efficacy under Australian law. They may contain incorrect or harmful ingredients, and their use can result in serious side effects or adverse health outcomes. This latest alert is separate from a previous incident in September 2024, which involved counterfeit Ozempic pens found to contain insulin.

Diabetes Australia is reminding people to only purchase medications from legitimate Australian pharmacies. Medicines purchased online or from overseas sources may be fake and are not covered under the Personal Importation Scheme. Importing or supplying counterfeit therapeutic goods is illegal and endangers public health.

If you have a product marked with batch number MPSD916, do not use it. Take it to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. If you experience any symptoms after using an Ozempic product, seek medical advice immediately and report the issue to the TGA.

We urge the community to stay vigilant. Always verify product claims with trusted sources and avoid purchasing medications or devices from unknown online sellers.

For more information, visit the TGA website or contact Diabetes Australia at info@diabetesaustralia.com.au.

In December 2024, we, Diabetes Australia, announced a $40 million investment commitment to diabetes research over the next decade – the largest ever commitment to diabetes research by a non-government funder in Australia.

Diabetes Australia’s leadership of research into all aspects of diabetes is crucial as the national peak body, representing the approximately 2 million Australians living with all types of diabetes and those at significant risk.

Over the past 100+ years, research has led to better understanding and the development of new technologies and medicines that have transformed the lives of people living with all types of diabetes.

But there is more to do.

The number of Australians living with diabetes continues to rise, including a 33 percent increase in people living with type 2 diabetes over the past decade. Diabetes complications continue to have a devastating impact on people’s lives and the health system. There remains the imperative to build on the valiant efforts and investment to-date to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Despite this great need to do more, funding for diabetes research has declined by more than 36 percent over the past decade.

Our commitment, which we will use to expand and extend the combined research efforts of the entire Australian research ecosystem – universities, private sector and government, seeks to address this erosion of funding. Working in collaboration with partners, we believe that we can have a profound and significant impact on Australia’s world-class diabetes research sector and to meaningfully contribute to the life changing benefits that it can achieve.

Future-focussed strategic approach to research

Diabetes Australia has been listening to the research sector and the millions of people living with diabetes and those at risk whose lives we are collectively striving to improve.
We have an ambitious goal – to eliminate the impact of diabetes on Australians. We want people living longer, healthier lives, and to ultimately work with the sector (both domestically and internationally) to find a cure.

Research is the only pathway to a ‘cure’ – whether through outright prevention, elimination of the condition or fully effective and seamless management of its impacts.

Following extensive consultation during 2024, we will soon release a new research strategy for diabetes in Australia, that is aligned with feedback from across the sector and importantly includes the feedback of Australians living with diabetes, and those at risk. Our ambitious approach to research responds to the challenges being faced by the sector and will harness the opportunities new technologies like artificial intelligence promise.

Our very significant financial commitment and fresh strategy will drive research to positively change the lives of people living with diabetes, including by:

• Investing in the diabetes research sector across all research areas (basic, clinical, health systems/ services, economic and public health)
• Prioritising investment to address the unmet needs of the diabetes community, and centralising lived experience throughout the research process
• Supporting the career development of early-to-mid career researchers, clinicians, and diabetes educators in order to encourage a thriving, dynamic and globally competitive research community
• Advocating strongly for increased diabetes research funding from government, industry, philanthropy, and donors
• Building capacity of the diabetes research sector that includes leveraging Diabetes Australia’s research investment to amplify research effort and seek greater funding from more sources, including by funding pilot projects leading to larger grants
• Establishing initiatives to grow capacity and collaboration, including upskilling programs and research networks.

Delivering on this future-focussed approach will require new approaches to governance and how we manage our investment to deliver the greatest impact for the sector and to change lives.

2026 research funding opportunities opening soon

In line with our investment commitment and aligned with our refreshed strategic approach to research, Diabetes Australia is pleased to advise that our next round of funding opportunities will be announced on 14 April 2025.

This will include 15 project grants valued at $100,000 each, a range of other grants, partnership awards and scholarships/ fellowship opportunities that will build capacity of the Australian diabetes research sector in alignment with Diabetes Australia’s mission and the priorities and expectations of our donors. This commitment, along with our philanthropic growth endeavours and partnering approach (such as the recently announced partnership with NIB Foundation valued at $750,000), reflects our determination to support and help build a thriving research community in Australia, along with other valued organisations across the diabetes research sector.

Further information on the available research awards opportunities available will be provided on 14 April 2025 via the Diabetes Australia website and Smarty Grants portal.

This next round of funding opportunities is in addition to Diabetes Australia’s initial Diabetes Community Priorities Grants funding round opened in late 2024, and will bring Diabetes Australia’s investment in research over the next 12 months to in excess of $3 million. In alignment with Diabetes Australia’s strategic approach to research, this funding format focuses on addressing the research priorities and unmet needs of people living with diabetes and the diabetes community, facilitating meaningful consumer and community engagement throughout all stages of the research lifecycle and to understand translational impact pathways to improve the lives of people living with diabetes sooner.

Australian diabetes researchers are working to find a cure for diabetes, learn more about prevention and complications management, and ultimately support people with diabetes to live longer, healthier lives.

Diabetes Australia is proud to support our world leading researchers.

Justine Cain
Group Chief Executive Officer
Diabetes Australia

With the Federal Election date now set for May 3, Australia’s leading diabetes advocacy organisations are calling for election commitments to expand affordable access to life changing technologies for people living with diabetes.

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting Australians hard, with many people living with diabetes forced to choose between essential medical technology and basic necessities. The latest Diabetes Australia cost of living survey found that for 61 percent of people, the cost of diabetes medicines and technologies was their greatest challenge. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said Australians living with all types of diabetes should have equitable access to the technology they need to live well.

“Nobody should have to decide between good health care and putting food on the table,” Ms Cain said.

“The bi-partisan support to expand continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device subsidies for people living with type 1 diabetes in 2022 was welcome and much needed, and we thank both the Government and the Opposition for that.

“Unfortunately, people living with type 2 diabetes requiring multiple daily insulin injections are still being denied the same subsidy. On top of that, thousands of Australians living with type 1 diabetes who can’t afford top level private health insurance are not able to afford insulin pumps.

“This situation cannot continue. Not only are we falling behind the diabetes technology provided in many other developed nations, but as a country we are now failing to provide what is considered standard care in the management of diabetes. There is clear evidence that access to diabetes technologies reduces overall healthcare costs for both the individual and the healthcare system.

“A person’s bank balance or postcode should not be a barrier to good health,” Ms Cain said.

In its policy paper Equitable Access to Diabetes Technology, Diabetes Australia recommends a $200 million investment over four years to expand subsidised access to diabetes technologies for key priority groups as a first step. 

Expanding subsidies for CGM devices will provide access for approximately 22,000 people living with type 2 diabetes, and expanding subsidies for insulin pumps will increase access to a further 16,000 people living with type 1 diabetes.

James Lequertier, 80, lives with type 2 diabetes, and says access to a CGM has helped him a lot. But as a self-funded retiree, he’s paying more than $200 a month out of pocket.

Despite maintaining a healthy weight and living an active lifestyle with no family history of the condition, James was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 30 years ago and has been using insulin since 2000.

“Since I started using a CGM six months ago, my HbA1c has dropped to 7.8%. It’s because I can finally see what’s happening with my blood glucose in real time,” James said. “Just swapping in crispbread instead of eating regular bread at lunch has made a difference, but I wouldn’t have known that as easily without CGM.

“It’s impossible to achieve continuous monitoring with a lancing device, commonly known as a finger prick.”

He says CGM has made managing his diabetes easier and safer, but the cost is a burden.

“What price do you put on your health?” James said.

James has written to both the current and former Federal Health Ministers urging them to subsidise CGM for people with type 2 diabetes who are dependent on insulin.

“There’s a lot of people who have much higher glucose levels than me. They should be able to access the diabetes technology that would help them.”

Technology that supports the management of blood glucose is critically important, given the health complications that can arise when they do not remain within a healthy range. 

More than 1.5 million Australians are living with diabetes and 500,000 are living with undiagnosed diabetes. More than 300 people are diagnosed every day and it is estimated the number of people living with diabetes in Australia will exceed 3.1 million by 2050.

Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association say the diabetes epidemic in Australia is at a crisis point. It is time for both the ALP and Coalition parties to make a public commitment to address the current inequity in the system that gives some people access to technologies while others go without.   

The growing epidemic of diabetes is one of the most complex health challenges facing our nation. The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data estimates that 10 percent of all hospitalisations in Australia in 2021-22 were associated with diabetes.

There has never been a more critical time to act.

UPDATE: 4PM 28 March 2025

An update has been received regarding the quarantined products referred to in the article below. Of the items stocked in the Diabetes Shop, only one needs to remain in quarantine.

The products that still need to be quarantined are:

• PD035 | RHS421 | 9421901692827 | Reynard Alcohol-Free Test Wipes 100pk
• | RHS475|  Reynard Swabsticks 2% Chlorhexidine (25 per box, 10 boxes per carton)

Original post below:

The diabetes community is being made aware of a critical quarantine affecting specific Reynard Health Supplies products, which were sold in the Diabetes Shop.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a critical quarantine for the following items:

• Reynard Adhesive Removal Wipes
• Reynard Alcohol Prep Pads
• Reynard Alcohol/Chlorhexidine Swabsticks

These products are commonly used for personal diabetes management, including skin preparation and adhesive removal.

The TGA has initiated this precautionary measure following reports of potential contamination involving Achromobacter species, a group of bacteria known to cause serious infections, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. The likely source of the contamination has been linked to materials and products associated with the manufacturer Baoying County Fukang Medical Appliance.

While investigations are still ongoing, there is currently no confirmation that these specific Reynard products are contaminated. However, as a safety precaution, all affected stock must be quarantined immediately.

A critical quarantine, as defined by the TGA, requires the mandatory isolation and assessment of therapeutic goods to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. During this period, all customers and healthcare providers are urged to:

• Stop using the identified products immediately.
• Inspect and quarantine any remaining stock to prevent further use.

At this time, no replacement stock is available. Diabetes Australia will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as they become available from Reynard Health Supplies and the TGA. Customers will be notified when the quarantine is lifted or if further action, such as a recall, is necessary.

The safety of people living with diabetes remains Diabetes Australia’s highest priority, and we thank you for your cooperation during this precautionary measure.

In the wake of the Federal Budget, Diabetes Australia has welcomed cost of living relief but urged the Federal Government and the Opposition that they must not lose sight of the more than 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said that in the midst of the growing diabetes epidemic, which is seeing more than 300 Australians diagnosed with diabetes every day, the lack of new investment in diabetes in this week’s budget was surprising and disappointing.

“Whilst measures to reduce the cost of medicines and increase bulk billing were welcome, there is simply not enough being done to curb the alarming growth in numbers of people living with diabetes and the management of the related complications that come with a significant cost to the health of individuals and costs to the health system,” Ms Cain said.

“We welcome the commitments that have been made to invest in cheaper PBS medicines and deliver more bulk billed GP visits. These will make a real difference in people’s lives.

“Supporting people to be able to see a GP is an important step in managing all types of diabetes and also preventing many people from developing type 2 diabetes, as well its costly complications. It is undeniable, however, that more must be done,” Ms Cain said.

“Of great concern is the fact that the diabetes community has been waiting since last year for the Federal Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes. This budget offered no indication about which of the 23 vital recommendations it might support and fund.

“In addition, hundreds of thousands of Australians in need of diabetes technology subsidies have been waiting to hear whether our call for expanded subsidies for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices has been heard. The budget remained silent on this critical issue.

“These life changing – and life saving – technologies deliver proven health and economic outcomes. And, just as importantly, increasing their affordability would provide significant cost of living relief for people who are struggling to afford the medicines and technologies they cannot do without.

“While the budget’s cost of living relief measures will save someone on an average income between $200 to $500 per year, the cost of living with diabetes is at least $4,000 per year – often significantly more.”

In the lead up to the Federal Election, Diabetes Australia, Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) and Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) are continuing to call on both the Government and the Opposition to invest $200 million over four years to expand subsidised access to diabetes technologies for those who would benefit the most. 

“Additionally, as Diabetes Australia, ADS and ADEA have been collectively advocating, we need a funding injection into diabetes research now if we are to find a cure and discover new ways to treat and prevent diabetes, and diabetes complications,” Ms Cain said.

Over the past decade, the number of Australians living with diabetes has increased by 33%, while funding for diabetes research has declined by more than 36%.

“We have some of the brightest minds in medical research in Australia, but in order to keep them here, and properly resource our research facilities, we urgently need to see an increase in funding, but the budget remained silent on this.

“We need to see greater commitments from both Government and the Opposition that recognise the needs of the millions of Australians living with, and at risk of, diabetes.

“Diabetes is the most significant chronic condition facing Australia, and more must be done.

“We have put proposals on the table that make economic sense and will deliver real impact to improve the lives of the more than 1.5 million people living with diabetes. We implore both the Federal Government and the Opposition to act now,” Ms Cain said.

The Federal Government has today announced that medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will cost no more than $25 from 1 January 2026.  

In a pre-election commitment that has been matched by the Federal Opposition, the maximum cost of a PBS prescription will drop from $31.60 to $25. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed the announcement saying people taking diabetes medicines listed on the PBS will benefit from this cost of living relief.  

“A person’s bank balance or postcode should not be a barrier to good health. We must ensure medicines are affordable for people who need them. 

“Last year Diabetes Australia undertook a cost of living survey which showed that for 61% of people, the cost of diabetes medicines and technologies was their greatest challenge.  

“Lowering the cost of PBS medicines will help our community with the considerable strain of living with a chronic condition,” Ms Cain said.  

Diabetes medicines included in the price change include Metformin, Semaglutide, Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, and Empagliflozin with metformin. 

The Federal Government said the investment will cost $689 million over four years and the changes would come into effect on 1 January 2026 in line with regular indexation.  

Modelling released this week by the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) Victorian branch shows the financial viability of the sector is at a crisis point. For every dollar received in government funding, institutes have to find an additional 64 cents to cover the full cost of research, and 50 percent of institutes expect to reduce their workforce in 2025.

This dire state of research funding in Australia unfortunately extends to diabetes research.

Over the past decade, the number of Australians living with type 2 diabetes has increased by 33 percent, yet funding for diabetes research has declined by more than 36 percent over the same period.

Diabetes Australia, Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association are calling on the Federal Government to address this funding crisis in the Federal Budget.

In the past year alone more than 116,000 people registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme – more than 300 people per day. In reality the number of Australians living with diabetes could be as high as 2 million.

Australian diabetes researchers are working to find a cure for diabetes, learn more about prevention, and ultimately support people with diabetes to live longer, healthier lives enabled by the latest scientific discoveries.  This can only be achieved by increasing investment in research.

In its joint prebudget submission the organisations have demonstrated that investing in research is vital to address the diabetes epidemic. It would take pressure off the health system, reduce inequality, and protect Australia’s world class research workforce.

The Federal prebudget submission calls for:

• $50 million over 5 years To Fund Diabetes Priority Areas To Improve The Lives of People Living With Diabetes for research into the causes of type 2 diabetes, prevention and remission.

• $75 million over 5 years To Fund Diabetes-specific Investigator Grants to Attract and Retain The Best And Brightest Diabetes Researchers.

With Cyclone Alfred approaching landfall, people living with diabetes can take steps to avoid some of the challenges involved with natural disasters.

Cyclones, storms, floods and bushfires can create serious health risks, making preparation essential for those who rely on insulin, medication, or medical devices to maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Preparing a well-thought-out plan and being ready for natural disasters can reduce the likelihood of diabetes-related emergencies and life-threatening situations.

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) provides valuable resources to help people living with diabetes to be prepared. It’s a dedicated natural disaster information page offering guidance on planning and managing diabetes during an emergency (NDSS Natural Disasters).

Creating a Diabetes Emergency Plan

The ‘My Diabetes Plan for Natural Disasters’ is a comprehensive guide designed to help individuals with diabetes prepare for emergencies. It includes a checklist of essential items for a diabetes emergency kit, a space to record personal details, important contact information, and a list of current medications. Keeping this plan alongside an up-to-date emergency kit in a secure location is crucial. Download the plan here: My Diabetes Plan for Natural Disasters.

What to include in a Diabetes Emergency Kit

A well-prepared diabetes emergency kit should contain essential supplies, including:

• Blood glucose monitoring equipment and extra batteries
• Insulin, oral medications, and necessary prescriptions
• Non-perishable food and water supplies
• Glucose tablets or other quick-acting hypoglycaemia treatments such as jellybeans or cans of soft drink
• A list of emergency contacts, including healthcare providers
• Medical identification and important documents

Also ensuring cold storage is available if required (e.g. an eski, cool wallet, or generator) is important for any medications that need to be kept cold.

The ‘My Diabetes Plan’ is also available in many languages, including Arabic, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Greek, Hindi, Italian, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

Supporting health professionals and emergency services

Healthcare providers and emergency services play a crucial role in helping people with diabetes during disasters. The NDSS website offers tailored resources for these professionals, including four educational videos on how to support individuals with diabetes before, during, and after an emergency.

These videos cover:

• The impact of natural disasters on diabetes management
• How to help people prepare for a disaster
• How to use the ‘My Diabetes Plan’ effectively
• Essential resources for diabetes management in emergencies

For more information, visit the NDSS website and access resources for individuals, healthcare professionals, emergency services, and local councils.

Being prepared can make a significant difference in safeguarding health and well-being during a crisis.

Take action now and ensure that you, or your loved ones living with diabetes, are ready for any emergency.