national diabetes strategy proposed...

National diabetes strategy proposed to combat disease, set to become number one health burden

Health experts have proposed a national strategy to combat diabetes, with the disease set to become the largest financial burden on the health system within five years.

Experts say type-2 diabetes costs Australia $14.6 billion a year and that the figure is expected to rise to $30 billion in 12 years.

All forms of diabetes - type-1, type-2 and gestational diabetes - are increasing in prevalence.

Diabetes Australia chief executive Professor Greg Johnson told the National Press Club that at least 1.5 million Australians have diabetes, with nearly 100,000 Australians developing the condition in the past year.

Professor Johnson says 280 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day.

"There is no such thing as mild diabetes," Professor Johnson said.

"All types of diabetes are serious and can lead to complications."

For example, patients with diabetes are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

The strategy includes taking more action to prevent people developing type-2 diabetes, better management of people with the condition, and to reduce the impact of diabetes in pregnancy and children.

Professor Stephen Colagiuri from the University of Sydney says there are more than 2 million Australians with pre-diabetes who are at high risk of developing the condition.

"Prevention of type-2 diabetes in this population is proven and possible. That's why Australia needs to put in place a national prevention program," he said.

Health experts say the strategy needs to be supported by all governments, health insurers, employers and workers' compensation insurers to ensure reduced costs and increased productivity.

They hope the plan will be implemented by whichever party wins the federal election.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-19/national-diabetes-strategy-proposed-to-combat-rising-prevalence/4766382