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

New research from the University of Sydney reveals that the number of Australians living with diabetes may be up to 35 per cent higher than previously estimated.

The findings raise critical questions about the size of one of Australia’s most serious chronic health conditions.

The study, published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, applied a sophisticated algorithm to integrated health data from Medicare, hospital records, and pharmaceutical claims. The results suggest there could be more than two million Australians living with diabetes, many of whom are currently missing from the official diabetes register.

Lead author Emma Cox, PhD Candidate from the Leeder Centre for Health Policy, Economics and Data, said the research highlights a much larger and more diverse population living with diabetes, particularly older Australians, people in remote areas, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“This isn’t just a data issue, it’s a public health issue,” Ms Cox said. “A significant number of Australians are missing from national statistics. That makes it harder to plan services, allocate funding, and deliver prevention strategies where they’re most needed.”

The research was partially funded in 2017 by a Diabetes Australia Research Trust grant and builds on longstanding calls for better integration of medical data to understand the true burden of chronic disease.

Professor Grant Brinkworth, Director of Research at Diabetes Australia, said the findings offer a compelling call to action.

“This study tells us what many of us in the sector have said for years: we’re not seeing the full picture of diabetes in Australia,” Professor Brinkworth said. “Understanding the true scale is essential if we want to improve outcomes for individuals and manage the national impact of this condition.”

The study also found that many people who are living with diabetes are managing the condition through lifestyle changes or medications like metformin, groups who may be less likely to register with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

“If people aren’t visible in the data, they’re also invisible to policy and funding decisions,” Professor Brinkworth added.

The research reinforces the importance of improved screening, earlier diagnosis, and greater health system integration to ensure every person affected by diabetes is counted, supported, and resourced.

Diabetes Australia is committed to working with the Australian Government and health sector to ensure barriers to registration are removed with appropriate investment in the NDSS to enable timely registration and accurate reporting.

Read the full study: Is the burden of diabetes in Australia underestimated? – Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

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.

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.  

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.

Tasmania’s much-anticipated Pollie Pedal 2025 officially launched today, with riders embarking from Hagley Farm School in Launceston.

Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, and Diabetes Australia Chief Operating Officer Craig Sedgman joined students and supporters to celebrate the event’s impact in raising funds and awareness for diabetes.

The inspiring three-day cycling event, which runs from February 28 to March 2, will see cyclists traverse over 300km of Tasmania’s stunning landscape, riding to support the 88,000 Tasmanians living with diabetes and prediabetes.

For Deputy Premier Barnett, an old boy of Hagley Farm School who lives with type 1 diabetes and takes part in Pollie Pedal every year, the event is a personal and community milestone.

Before he started cycling, Deputy Premier Barnett was delighted to meet Hagley Farm School Year 4 student Charlie Medwin and his parents, Karissa and Jesse. Charlie has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in April last year, and was a special representative of the diabetes community at the Pollie Pedal launch this morning.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Barnett emphasized the event’s importance beyond the cycling challenge.

“Pollie Pedal is about resilience, community, and the determination to make a difference. As someone who manages type 1 diabetes every day, I understand the significance of support, education, and research in changing lives,” Mr Barnett said.

“This ride is a powerful way to unite Tasmanians in our mission to reduce the impact of diabetes. Every turn of the pedals represents hope for those living with this condition. Whether you ride, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, your contribution matters.”

Diabetes Australia COO Craig Sedgman praised the Tasmanian community’s enduring commitment to the cause.

“Pollie Pedal is more than a fundraising event. It’s a movement of people coming together to drive change and create a healthier future,” Mr Sedgman said.

“We know that diabetes affects around two million Australians, and the numbers are rising. But through initiatives like Pollie Pedal, we can provide vital programs, invest in prevention, and support those already living with diabetes.

“Worryingly, rates of diabetes have increased by 32% nationally over the past decade.

“We need urgent action to stem the tide of this epidemic and support people who are living with diabetes. Community events like Pollie Pedal support us to do that important work,” he said.

Since its inception in 2006, Pollie Pedal has raised over $850,000, funding essential diabetes programs and research. The 2025 ride will take cyclists through Tasmania’s breathtaking Meander and Tamar Valleys, passing through seaside towns, rolling farmlands, and vibrant rural communities.

Pollie Pedal is open to cyclists of all abilities. Whether riding solo or forming a team, participants will not only experience Tasmania’s stunning backroads but also make a lasting impact on diabetes awareness and support.

Make a difference
To donate or learn more, visit: Pollie Pedal 2025 or email PolliePedal@diabetesaustralia.com.au.

Fast Facts about Pollie Pedal Tasmania 2025:

• Dates: February 28 – March 2, 2025
• Who can participate? Cyclists of all skill levels
• Funds raised since 2006: Over $850,000
• Cause: Supporting Tasmanians living with diabetes and funding prevention efforts

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 visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

With today’s announcement that Diabetes Victoria has taken the decision to resign as a member of Diabetes Australia, the Diabetes Australia director nominated by Diabetes Victoria will leave the Diabetes Australia Board.

Diabetes Australia Chair, Andrew Rutherford, acknowledged director Kathryn Arndt’s service.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kathryn Arndt for her diligence and commitment in her 18 months as a director of Diabetes Australia. We wish her well for the future.”

In a related change, Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan has left the Board of Diabetes Australia’s subsidiary Diabetes Australia Research Limited. Diabetes Australia’s Chair also extends the Board’s thanks for Mr Noonan’s service.

Diabetes Victoria will cease to be a member of Diabetes Australia from 31 March 2025.

Diabetes Australia will continue its role as the national peak body including overseeing the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). Diabetes Victoria will continue to operate as the Victorian peak body and NDSS state agent.

Diabetes Australia will continue to work with Diabetes Victoria as it does with other state-based diabetes organisations.

The change in membership will not impact any existing state-based service delivery or local state-based support programs provided to people living with diabetes.

Australians will continue to benefit from a nationally delivered, consistent and equitable access model from Diabetes Australia, alongside the community-based delivery that state-based organisations like Diabetes Victoria have excelled at.

Diabetes Australia Chair, Mr Rutherford, said: “This change allows Diabetes Australia and Diabetes Victoria to focus on their own strategic priorities and individual missions. Diabetes Australia will continue to focus on working with stakeholders across the country to deliver equal access for Australians living with or at risk of diabetes, irrespective of their location or socio-economic circumstances.”

Diabetes Victoria President, Mr Loveridge, said: “Our commitment to improving the lives of people affected by diabetes is stronger than ever. We will continue our outstanding work in relation to the prevention of diabetes in Victoria, and support, education, and care of those affected by diabetes across the state.”