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News & Trends - MedTech & Diagnostics

Diabetes health professionals call for more investment in intervention, research and prevention

Health Industry Hub | March 31, 2022 |

MedTech news: The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) commend the budget released by the Government on Tuesday night. However, given the increased costs and strain on the health system, this budget does not invest enough to care for the health of Australians.

Diabetes is one of the most significant health conditions facing Australia. 1.4 million Australians live with diabetes and that number is expected to rise over the coming years. Many experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated that increase. Further investment in diabetes-specific intervention, research and prevention is needed to reduce the future impact of diabetes on individuals and the health system. It is important to also recognise that diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Susan Davidson, CEO of ADEA, said “We were delighted to see an ongoing investment into the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and into prevention, however this investment does not go far enough. Diabetes is a serious, unrelenting condition that requires around-the-clock management and care. People living with diabetes or prediabetes must see a Credentialled Diabetes Educator to learn how to manage their diabetes well, and reduce their risk of serious diabetes-related complications like heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss or amputations. We need expansion of these services that come from further investments into workforce capacity.”

Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO of the Australian Diabetes Society, added “Endocrinologists, work closely with their patients to ensure they receive the best medical care. We know that the Government must increase investments in diabetes care, research and prevention to reduce the cost to the health system, and ensure people are getting the very best care available. We were disappointed to not see this reflected in the Budget,”

Insulet saw no confirmation of funding in the Federal Budget for its medical technology Omnipod DASH System via the NDSS. Given the demand by the Type 1 Diabetes community and the recent promise of funding by the Minister for Health, the inclusion of Omnipod DASH System on the NDSS has been a highly anticipated development.

“We were hoping for an announcement  tonight, as the Minister for Health is aware of the strong demand by the Australian Type 1 Diabetes community to have affordable and equitable access to Omnipod DASH System,” said Joanna Sader, Country Manager, Insulet Australia.

“We know that this community highly anticipates a positive development and we are confident the right decision will be made very soon.”

ADEA and ADS joint election platform recommends three key areas of investment and focus.

  • Remuneration for endocrinologists and Credentialled Diabetes Educators to ensure optimal care for people using diabetes technologies
  • Increased Credentialled Diabetes Educator visits to minimise the risk of diabetes-related complications
  • Medicare coverage for people with gestational diabetes to minimise the risk of developing diabetes after pregnancy

For each dollar invested into diabetes education and care, there are $16 saved downstream. The Government cannot afford not to invest in diabetes and diabetes health professionals.


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