A NEW report from Diabetes Australia has issued an urgent call for action on diabetes prevention, highlighting a national health crisis.
The 2024 State of the Nation report, launched yesterday at NSW Parliament, reveals an alarming rise in type 2 diabetes diagnoses, particularly among younger Aussies.
Over the last decade, the number of people aged 21 to 39 diagnosed with diabetes has surged by 44%, with diagnoses before the age of 20 increasing by 17%.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are particularly hard-hit, experiencing the world's highest rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes, with cases among 15 to 24-year-olds doubling in the past five years.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain (pictured) expressed deep concern over the lack of a national type 2 diabetes prevention plan, saying, "the current state of play is failing our young people".
"Today, with an estimated two million Australians living with diabetes, we still don't have a prevention plan.
"We need urgent action to prioritise diabetes prevention and its associated complications.
"This is about the health of our nation and future generations."
The report's release comes as a Federal parliamentary inquiry is set to announce its findings.
Cain urged bold recommendations from the committee to curb the diabetes epidemic, which shows no signs of slowing down, with more than 300 Australians being diagnosed daily.
The report includes 25 recommendations, such as a 20% levy on sugar-sweetened beverages, a national diabetes kidney screening program, and increased funding for research.
Other suggestions include new training programs for aged care staff, strategic workforce development, and Medicare rebates on prevention and screening visits. JG
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