Australia’s $9 billion diabetes bill sparks health check push

The type 2 diabetes epidemic is imposing a far greater toll on the health system than previously understood, with new data from Diabetes Australia revealing the disease now costs the nation a staggering $9.1 billion each year – nearly triple earlier estimates.

In response, free health checks will be available at Priceline Pharmacies across the country during National Diabetes Week (13–19 July) in an urgent effort to detect early risk and strengthen national prevention efforts.

“While a $9 billion cost to the health system is astounding, sitting behind that figure are millions of Australians whose lives are being affected by diabetes and who need support to prevent serious complications like heart disease, stroke and vision loss,” said Justine Cain, Group CEO of Diabetes Australia.

The organisation is urging governments to treat diabetes prevention with the same seriousness afforded to melanoma and breast cancer, pointing to public awareness campaigns in those areas that have yielded strong outcomes.

The free health checks, conducted on self-service digital health stations, take less than five minutes and are currently available in more than 300 participating Priceline Pharmacies. The stations offer instant results for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and metabolic health risks, with a strong focus on reaching those currently living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

“There are 1.3 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes and another 500,000 living with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes,” Cain said. “Worryingly, there are another 2 million people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A simple, free check could be the difference between early detection and a life-threatening diabetes complication like a heart attack or stroke.”

While genetics and family history remain contributing factors, up to 58% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through healthier lifestyle choices, including improved nutrition, increased physical activity and weight management.

Mel Gannon, Priceline Pharmacy’s National Pharmacy Support Manager, stated “Pharmacies are one of the most accessible healthcare touchpoints in Australia, and at Priceline Pharmacy, we take that responsibility seriously. Early intervention saves lives, and it all starts with knowing your numbers.”

The digital health stations assess risk factors such as high blood pressure, providing a quick and accessible tool to flag early warning signs of both cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

General practitioners are also central to long-term prevention and management, said RACGP President Dr Michael Wright.

“It is much better to prevent diabetes than to treat it, and we encourage people to see their GP, get tested and have regular check-ups. Serious complications are likely if diabetes is not treated properly. Almost 120,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past 12 months, and this has a significant impact on the lives of not only those carrying the disease, but also the people who support them,” emphasised Dr Wright.

Diabetes Australia is calling for a coordinated national response, including urgent investment in community-led prevention and awareness programs to alleviate the growing burden on the health system.

“Every 8 minutes, someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If we don’t act now, up to 3.2 million Australians could be living with type 2 diabetes by 2050. It’s not all preventable, but where it is we need to take strong action,” Cain said. “Free checks are an important first step, but they must be part of a bigger, long-term strategy to tackle this national type 2 diabetes epidemic.”

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