People living with diabetes are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, raising serious concerns that the situation is putting people’s health at significant risk.
To combat rising cost of living pressures, Diabetes Australia has announced it will provide free support to all Australians living with diabetes across the country, in a major push to see people with diabetes better supported.
Cost of living concerns
Data released by Diabetes Australia on World Diabetes Day (14 November) reveals more than 90 per cent of people living with diabetes are anxious about the rising cost of living, and 75 per cent are worried that managing their diabetes will become unaffordable in the future.
Worryingly, half of survey respondents said cost of living pressures were negatively impacting their ability to manage their diabetes – which includes attending GP appointments, undertaking pathology tests and purchasing syringes to administer insulin.
The research reveals:
- 66% reported spending more on diabetes management now than five years ago
- 61% described the cost of accessing diabetes medicines and technology as their greatest challenge
- 33% have been forced to cut costs related to their diabetes management
- 44% are turning to cheaper, less healthy food options.
Carers are also spending more, with 82% reporting an increase in their financial contributions to managing diabetes over the past five years.
Risk of complications
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said if people living with diabetes can’t afford regular access to health care and medication to manage their condition, the risk of diabetes-related complications increases dramatically. This also places significant burden on our health care system, as more people are hospitalised with life-threatening complications.
“Diabetes is a condition that needs to be actively managed. People are being forced to make impossible choices between health care and everyday living, and ultimately that can have devastating consequences,” Ms Cain said.
“Diabetes costs the health care system around $3.4 billion every year and that cost is only going to increase if people can’t afford proper management which can lead to complications like kidney disease, heart attack and stroke.”
Free support
With the rising cost of living impacting the ability of people to access or afford primary care and GP services, causing them to disengage from health care, Diabetes Australia is introducing a free support program.
Diabetes YOUnited is a free national membership program offering access to up-to-date information and education tools, personalised support, regular news and updates with expert insights and resources, as well as better connection to, and support from, Australia’s largest diabetes community.
“Overwhelmingly, Australians living with diabetes have also told us that they want better access to trusted information and support. They’re looking for better connection to community and support services that will help them live well,” said Ms Cain.
“Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that support.”
There’s also an option for people who choose to, and can afford it, to upgrade to receive additional services through Diabetes YOUnited Plus. People who are already members of Diabetes Australia will automatically receive the upgrade to the paid option, which includes a range of new services and supports in addition to existing benefits.
“It doesn’t matter where you live, from Bendigo or Broome; Bundaberg to Burnie and anywhere in between – Diabetes YOUnited is available for all Australians,” said Ms Cain.
To learn more about YOUnited and how you can support people living with diabetes, visit the Diabetes Australia Membership site.
