Diabetes Australia has launched 2 major initiatives aimed at reversing the country’s escalating type 2 diabetes epidemic.
A policy paper, A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes through Prevention, calls on the Australian Government to more than double its preventive health investment to 5% of total health expenditure by 2030.
Simultaneously, a second report highlights the success of the KeepSight digital eye check reminder program now used by more than 560,000 Australians living with diabetes.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain says both reports highlight the urgent need for national leadership and coordinated action to reduce the impact of diabetes on the health system and the lives of millions of Australians.
“Prevention is the most cost-effective and sustainable strategy to address the type 2 diabetes epidemic,” says Ms Cain.
“Preventing type 2 diabetes is not only possible, it is essential. Around 58% of cases can be prevented or delayed.
“Early detection of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also help to prevent serious complications.”
Diabetes prevalence surging
The prevalence of diabetes in Australia has surged by 220% since 2000, with nearly 1.5 million people now diagnosed with the condition.
Reportedly, without intervention this number could reach 3.6 million by 2050.
“Many of the most serious complications, such as amputations, kidney failure and vision loss, can be prevented with timely, coordinated care and support,” says Ms Cain.
“Lifting investment in preventive health to 5% of national healthcare spending will save lives, reduce complications from chronic conditions like diabetes and help keep our health system financially sustainable.”
Keeping sight of regular eye checks
As part of its commitment to preventing complications, Diabetes Australia delivers KeepSight, a national reminder program encouraging people with diabetes to have regular eye checks.
Since its launch in 2019, KeepSight has helped more than half a million Australians reduce their risk of diabetes-related blindness by over 90%.
Over 8,000 people join the program each month, and more than 60% of those who receive reminders return for ongoing checks within the recommended timeframes.
A new report, Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision Loss, highlights the success of the program and the importance of regular screening in detecting diabetes-related retinopathy and vision issues before symptoms appear.
“Diabetes is relentless. People manage multiple health concerns every day, and eye checks can slip down the priority list,” says Ms Cain.
“KeepSight provides a simple, effective nudge that helps people take action. It’s a great example of how digital health interventions can improve outcomes and change behaviour.”
KeepSight a national benchmark for care
Vision 2020 Australia CEO Carly Iles says the program breaks down common barriers to care.
“Cost, access, or even fear of a diagnosis can prevent people from getting checked.
“KeepSight helps reduce those barriers by offering reminders and reassurance from a trusted source,” says Ms Iles.
The report positions KeepSight as a national benchmark for coordinated diabetes eye care, bringing together government, optometry, ophthalmology and health bodies to ensure consistency and quality across the sector.
Ms Cain says both the policy paper and KeepSight report demonstrate the importance of preventing diabetes complications.
“This is a turning point. We must act now to prevent more people from developing type 2 diabetes and ensure better care and outcomes for those already living with the condition,” she says.
