Tasmania’s deputy premier, Guy Barnett, who lives with type 1 diabetes, is joining Pollie Pedal again this year to support Tasmanians living with diabetes.

Pollie Pedal Tasmania 2025 will be run from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2. This unique three-day road cycling event will see participants ride alongside Mr Barnett to support the more than 32,000 Tasmanians living with diabetes and to help prevent others from developing the condition.

Next year will mark 18 years of Diabetes Australia’s involvement with Pollie Pedal, a milestone of commitment to reducing the impact of diabetes. Since its inception in 2006, the event has covered more than 5,000km and raised $850,000 for vital diabetes programs and research.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO, Justine Cain, said the event is a testament to the strength and generosity of the Tasmanian community.

“Pollie Pedal Tasmania is more than just a cycling event: It’s a powerful statement of unity and support for those living with diabetes. Over the past 18 years, we’ve seen incredible courage from participants and generosity from sponsors who have helped us make a real difference,” said Ms Cain.

“Every kilometre pedalled, every dollar raised, and every story shared brings us closer to a future where diabetes has less impact on individuals, families, and communities. We’re so proud to partner with Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, whose personal journey with type 1 diabetes inspires so many.”

Deputy Premier Barnett, an advocate for diabetes awareness and a Pollie Pedal champion, is passionate about the event’s mission. Reflecting on previous rides, he told Tasmania’s Parliament:

“Pollie Pedal is designed to make a difference—and it has. Through this incredible event, we’ve raised funds and awareness that have supported thousands of Tasmanians. I’m honoured to ride alongside our community once again and look forward to another successful year.”

Cyclists of all levels are invited to join this inspiring journey through Tasmania’s stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to coastal roads. To register as a rider or sponsor the event, contact Diabetes Australia via email at PolliePedal@diabetesaustralia.com.au or visit our website at Polllie Pedal 2025.

Diabetes Australia has announced a new partnership with PDC Health Hub, welcoming the organisation as an Associate Member in a move that will strengthen the voice of the Perth diabetes community at a national level.

The collaboration is a crucial step in bringing together the combined expertise and advocacy of both organisations to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

The announcement comes at a time when Australia is grappling with the impact of a diabetes epidemic. With 140,000 people in Western Australia living with diabetes and many more at risk, the health, economic, and personal costs of the condition are staggering.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said it is critical for diabetes organisations to work together to effectively address the crisis.

“If we act together, we can make a real difference. We can improve the lives of those living with diabetes, reduce the burden on our healthcare system, and protect future generations from the potential devastating effects of this condition,” she said.

“A recent survey conducted by Diabetes Australia found 60% of people living with diabetes want to be better connected to support. One of the ways we’re doing that is by forming strong local partnerships and creating a united voice.

“PDC Health Hub undertakes outstanding work supporting individuals living with diabetes and improving diabetes care.

“It is an absolute privilege to partner with PDC Health Hub as another important Associate Member of Diabetes Australia. Their efforts are making a real difference in people’s lives,” Ms Cain said.

PDC Health Hub Director Teresa Di Franco said the partnership marks a new chapter in their ongoing work to support the diabetes community.

“We’re proud of the work we do here in Perth and it’s exciting to partner with Diabetes Australia to grow our impact,” she said.

“PDC Health Hub currently supports more than 14,000 people living with all types of diabetes, and we are encouraging all our clients to become members of Diabetes Australia.

“This allows us to ensure our community has both a national voice while being supported locally.

“We look forward to maximising our collective impact through this very exciting partnership.”

Australians living with diabetes are doing it tougher than ever.

That’s why today, on World Diabetes Day (Thursday 14 November), Diabetes Australia is launching Diabetes YOUnited – our new, free national membership program available to everyone in Australia. 

To celebrate the launch of Diabetes YOUnited, we’re teaming up with chef Miguel Maestre to host a series of cooking demonstrations around Australia. Miguel’s challenge? To cook a tasty, easy, and affordable meal. After appearing with Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain on Channel 9’s Today show this morning, the first stop is Perth!

“This is such an important campaign for me to be involved in. I’ve been on my own health journey with my nutrition and my fitness because I want to feel good and have energy. I’m so passionate about good food but I know it’s challenging times for people right now,” said Miguel.

“Everything is expensive. I want to help show people that you can make really tasty food that’s not expensive and is very nutritious. While I’m an expert in good food, Diabetes Australia are the experts in diabetes support and I’m looking forward to cooking up a storm around the country!”

Cooking demonstrations with chef Miguel Maestre

Find Miguel’s delicious chicken paella recipe here and his light and crunchy low carb zoodle salad here.

Perth

• Friday, 15 November
• 10:30am
• Forrest Place Stage, Perth CBD

Adelaide

• Sunday, 17 November
• 10:00am
• Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market

Brisbane

• Saturday, 7 December
• 11:00am
• Flowstate South Bank, Brisbane

Melbourne

• Monday, 24 February 2025
• 11:30am
• Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne, Level 1 Wine Bar – 546 Collins Street, Melbourne

More dates and locations to come!

The 2024 Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) is underway, with over one thousand delegates from across the region gathering in Perth.

The three-day conference is hosted by Diabetes Australia’s unifying partners Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association and is taking place from 21 to 23 August.

Speaking at the Congress, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the voice of the diabetes community had never been stronger as, together, we continue the work that’s needed to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

The program includes eminent researchers and diabetes educators, sharing the latest breakthroughs in research, education and care in diabetes.

From 2013 to 2023, the total number of Australians known to be living with all types of diabetes rose by 32%.

In Western Australia, where this year’s ADC is being held, there are now more than 140,000 people living with all types of diabetes, and more than 122,000 West Australians are living with type 2 diabetes.

Innovative solutions to enhance prevention and management strategies, including targeted investments in research, are needed to stem the tide of this epidemic.

Events like ADC support people living with diabetes, diabetes researchers and health professionals in this work.

During the Congress, Diabetes Australia is sponsoring travel scholarships to support Congress participants to also attend the 2025 International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok. Ten scholarships are available to help broaden the knowledge of frontline health workers and researchers, support their education and grow the global diabetes network.

Australians living with all types of diabetes should have equitable access to the technology they need to live well. Right now they don’t and this needs to change.

That was the simple, yet powerful, message for National Diabetes Week 2024 (July 14-20).

National Diabetes Week featured many powerful stories of people living with diabetes, highlighting the current inequities many Australians experience accessing the technology they need to live well.

Throughout the week, a series of community engagement events, media opportunities, and announcements amplified the voices of the diabetes community and showcased the need for fair and equitable access to diabetes technology.

‘DiaBuddies’ help launch National Diabetes Week

A big group of ‘DiaBuddies’ children living with type 1 diabetes and their families helped launch National Diabetes Week 2024 in Brisbane. In sharing their stories, these children and their families highlighted the difference diabetes technology makes in their lives but, also the financial hardship for many trying to access this technology.

Position Statement outlines the steps needed to create more affordable access to diabetes technology

To kick-off National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia released a new policy paper calling on the government to make life changing technology more affordable for people living with all types of diabetes.

In the paper, we have outlined the steps needed to create more affordable access to CGM devices and insulin pumps, including economic modelling that shows a $200 million package of investment would support nearly 40,000 people living with diabetes to access these technologies, prioritising those with the greatest need.

Acknowledging that subsidies to improve access will likely need to be delivered in a staged approach over time, the paper recommends key priority groups in the first instance, with further expansion in the future.

The paper also outlines recommendations for changes to the way diabetes technologies are assessed and approved in Australia and investment in the diabetes workforce to support people living with diabetes get the most out of technology.

New funding announced for diabetes technology research

During National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia announced a new funding program to support research into life-changing diabetes technologies.

The Diabetes Technology Research Accelerator Grant Program has been designed to fast-track the development of new diabetes technologies.

The research program will bring together technology and pharmaceutical industries with world leading researchers to get new technologies into the hands of people with diabetes who need them most.

Diabetes Australia will be investing seed funding of $250,000 and we are calling for matched funding from industry partners to help generate $1 million to spear-head this initiative and create real change.

Marrin Weejali event highlights need for technology access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Federal MP backs campaign with activation in Sydney’s West

In collaboration with Federal Member for Fowler, Dai Le MP, Diabetes Australia hosted an activation at Cabramatta Plaza, in Sydney’s West. Fowler has a strong multicultural community with rates of diabetes much higher than the national average. Hundreds turned out to engage in the event, chat with a diabetes health professional and hear about the campaign for fair and equitable access to diabetes technology.

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department-Diabetes Service launched

Diabetes Australia is proud to be backing the new Victorian Virtual Emergency Department-Diabetes Service, launched during National Diabetes Week.

The first of its kind in Australia service aims to provide emergency specialist support services for people living with diabetes and revolutionise the management of diabetes emergencies across Victoria.

Expert modelling shows huge cost savings for diabetes technology

News coverage during National Diabetes Week highlighted new research which shows CGM devices can dramatically reduce the risk of life-threatening diabetes-related complications including blindness, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Australia Chief Medical Officer Professor David Simmons is a co-author on research presented recently at the American Diabetes Association conference. It studied people with type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy in Australia.

The analysis shows CGM would massively reduce eye, renal, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications of the condition by 17.7, 21.1, 8.7 and 2.5 per cent respectively.

April Welsh shares the life changing impact of diabetes technology

April Welsh, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three, knows the life changing impact of diabetes technology. It’s helped her chase her dreams and compete professionally in motorsport, racing in Formula Vee in WA.

At a National Diabetes Week event hosted by Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre based at Perth Children’s Hospital and Telethon Kids Institute, April met with a group of children newly diagnosed with type 1 who are just starting out on their journey with diabetes tech.

Perth Diabetes Care roundtable highlights need to keep the conversation going

To cap off the week, a roundtable event hosted by Perth Diabetes Care provided a forum to hear from more people about how much fair and equitable access to technology would mean to them.

Let’s keep the conversation going

The national conversation, which commenced in the months leading up to National Diabetes Week, will continue well beyond July as the diabetes community continues to unite around this issue.

This fight starts and ends with community. Together we can make a difference!

Let’s unite in the fight for tech.

This National Diabetes Week we are calling for more affordable access to life changing technology for people living with diabetes.

Listen to Group Chief Executive Officer Justine Cain as she explains our campaign to Unite in the fight for tech on 2CC Radio Canberra.

2CC Radio Canberra audio

Diabetes Australia has announced a new funding program to support research into life-changing diabetes technologies.  

The Diabetes Technology Research Accelerator Grant program has been designed to fast-track the development of new diabetes technologies by connecting medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries with academics and clinicians. 

Visiting world-leading diabetes technology research at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said advances in diabetes technologies have transformed diabetes management and positively changed the lives of millions of people. 

“We will be investing seed funding of $250,000 in this research funding program that will create real solutions for people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said. 

“But we can’t do it alone. We want to amplify our funding commitment, with a call for matched funding from industry partners. We are calling on industry to help us generate $1 million to spear-head this initiative and create real change. 

“Australia is home to some of the world’s foremost researchers, pioneers and experts in the development of diabetes technologies, and nowhere is that more obvious than right here at St Vincent’s Hospital where they are at the absolute cutting-edge of diabetes technology research.” 

Professor David O’Neal, a Senior Endocrinologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, and his colleagues are focused on the significance of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people with type 1 diabetes – a project funded by Diabetes Australia* and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations. 

AID systems continuously monitor glucose levels and then provide rapid acting insulin to keep those levels within the target range. 

“Research is showing us how this technology makes it easier for a person to manage their glucose levels and improve their quality of life,” Professor O’Neal said. 

Ms Cain said despite the life changing benefits of AID technology, many people with type 1 diabetes are unable to afford an insulin pump, which is a critical part of the system.  

“People shouldn’t miss out on important health care just because they can’t afford it, so we are also calling on the Federal Government to expand subsidies for insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes,” Ms Cain said.  

William Heather, 55, from Hopper’s Crossing, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his 20s and developed chronic kidney disease. Use of an AID system has changed his life. 

“I couldn’t believe the difference the insulin pump made. My wife and I decided to take out a bank loan to buy a pump because I couldn’t imagine trying to manage my diabetes without it,” Willy, a storeman, said. 

“I got very lucky. A charity came to my rescue and helped me access a pump. It’s the best health I’ve had since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. 

“My kidney disease has now stabilised. I’d been told before the insulin pump that I’d need dialysis in two years but things are looking much more hopeful now.”  

* In 2022 $150,000 in grant funding was provided under the Diabetes Australia Millennium Award – Type 1 to Professor O’Neal from St Vincent’s Hospital for the project, Glucose Control with a Hybrid Closed Loop System in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Advanced Renal Disease. 

Diabetes Australia is calling for more affordable access to life changing technology for people living with diabetes.

Launching National Diabetes Week (July 14-21) Group CEO Justine Cain said technology such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and insulin pumps aren’t affordable for many people, despite their life changing impact.

Diabetes Australia is calling on the Federal Government to invest $200 million over four years in increased subsidies for these technologies.

“Over the past 100 years, advances in technology and medicines have delivered significant improvements in quality of life and health outcomes for people living with all types of diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“In 2022, the Federal Government implemented subsidised access to CGM devices for all people living with type 1 diabetes. This was a significant win for the type 1 diabetes community and has improved the lives of tens of thousands of Australians. But there’s more to be done.

“While some Australians living with diabetes can access technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps, they are just too expensive for many people.

“There are so many Australians struggling with the rising cost of living, that are missing out on life changing and potentially lifesaving diabetes technology.

“Investing in diabetes technologies is proven to improve health and economic outcomes. Research shows that these devices are game-changing in terms of managing blood glucose levels and improving time-in-range, which ultimately reduces diabetes complications and hospitalisations, and also improves quality of life.

“If we can reduce the number of people who develop diabetes related complications like stroke, heart attack, blindness and kidney disease – we could reduce the economic burden on our health system by billions of dollars each year,” she said.

A new policy paper, released by Diabetes Australia today, outlines the steps needed to create more affordable access to CGM devices and insulin pumps for people with all types of diabetes.

The paper includes economic modelling that shows a $200 million package of investment would support nearly 40,000 people living with diabetes to access these technologies, prioritising those with greatest need.

This initially includes insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes who are:

• under 21 years of age;
• over 21 years of age with a health care card; or
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The proposal also includes CGM devices for people living with type 2 and other types of diabetes who are:

• pregnant;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
• under the age of 21; or
• requiring multiple daily injections of insulin.

“Access to these technologies is a significant issue for people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“As the leader in diabetes advocacy, Diabetes Australia is delivering this proposal to government and we will be working with them to see how our recommendations can be implemented.”

Ulla Leo’s daughter, Patisepa, 13, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 9.

Her Mum said the diagnosis was very hard for Patisepa mentally.

“She could remember what it was like to be ‘normal’ and how easy her life was before diabetes,” Ulla said.

“She often didn’t eat because she hated the finger-prick tests and worried the needle would break in her tummy or wherever she was injecting.”

Despite great financial hardship, Ulla, a single working Mum with three children, joined the top tier of private medical insurance to get her daughter an insulin pump.

Patisepa’s glucose levels and her health, both physical and mental, improved dramatically when she combined CGM and the pump.

“Our life is so much easier with a pump. Although it’s very hard financially, it’s worth it because I don’t want Patisepa to just survive with diabetes. I want her to live her best life, and an insulin pump helps her do that.”  

On July 3 a report was tabled in Parliament following the conclusion of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, chaired by Dr Mike Freelander MP.

The report recommends the expansion of subsidised access to CGM devices and insulin pumps.  

“Diabetes Australia welcomed those recommendations, and we are grateful that our voices are being heard in the halls of Parliament,” Ms Cain said.

“Diabetes Australia will be engaging with government about how we can deliver expanded subsidies in a staged, affordable way.”

Download the Equitable Access to Diabetes Technology position statement.

Diabetes across the country has hit a crisis point according to a new report released today by Diabetes Australia.  

The 2024 State of the Nation report – launched at an event at New South Wales Parliament – shows the diabetes epidemic shows no sign of abating, with alarming rates of type 2 diabetes diagnosis in younger people. 

In the last decade Australia has seen a 44% increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes between the ages of 21 and 39, and a 17% increase in diagnosis before the age of 20. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are experiencing the world’s highest rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes, with the prevalence in 15 – 24 year olds doubling over the past five years. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said it was deeply concerning that Australia has no national diabetes prevention plan in place.  

“The current state of play is failing our young people,” Ms Cain said. 

“We need urgent action to prioritise diabetes prevention, and the prevention of diabetes complications.

“The diabetes epidemic is growing at an alarming rate – more than 300 people are being diagnosed every day.  

“For decades there have been calls for a national diabetes prevention plan, and today – with an estimated 2 million Australians living with the condition – we still don’t have one.  

“Prevention is the only thing that will protect future generations of Australians from the costly impact of living with type 2 diabetes,” Ms Cain said.  

Diabetes Australia’s report comes at a critical time in the national conversation about diabetes, with a Federal parliamentary inquiry expected to hand down its findings soon.   

“We need to see bold recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee that will help our country stem the tide of the diabetes epidemic,” Ms Cain said.  

“Greater investment in initiatives to prevent type 2 diabetes and to prevent the devastating complications of all types of diabetes is the key.” 

The State of the Nation includes 25 recommendations covering prevention, treatment, more support for vulnerable communities and greater investment in research.  

Among them are recommendations regarding the introduction of a 20% health levy on sugar-sweetened beverages as a population-wide diabetes prevention measure; the promotion of type 2 diabetes remission; the introduction of a national diabetes kidney screening program; and an urgent increase in funding for diabetes research.  

The report also recommends the introduction of a new training program for aged care staff supporting residents living with diabetes; the development of a strategic plan to grow the diabetes health workforce; and MBS rebates for general practice visits that are focused on diabetes prevention and screening.  

View the full State of the Nation 2024 report.

This National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) Diabetes Australia is highlighting the urgent need to address high rates of diabetes in Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians, and rates of type 2 diabetes in central Australia are the highest in the world.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the organisation was working tirelessly to address this concerning reality through initiatives including face-to-face workshops, upskilling Health Workers and Practitioners, and increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce, as well as investing in community programs and services.

“Reconciliation, and acknowledging the past injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have endured, is a key part of how we build a healthier future,” Ms Cain said.

The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week, Now More Than Ever #NRW2024, was felt at a National Gathering of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff which was held on Gadigal country in Glebe earlier this month.

Diabetes Australia Elder Advocate Grace Ward said these gatherings are valuable learning opportunities.

“Uncle Allen Madden from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council provided a Welcome to Country, and the team discussed services and initiatives that are helping to address the urgent need for diabetes prevention and support services among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Ward said.

“Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

“Reconciliation is an opportunity for every Australian,” Ms Ward said.