TWENTY-THREE key recommendations are included in the comprehensive report tabled yesterday by the government's Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee, following its landmark 'Inquiry into Diabetes'.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said after many decades of calls for more diabetes prevention measures including food labelling and a levy on sugary drinks were welcome recommendations.
"Investment to access healthy food; a levy on sugary drinks; and a ban on junk food advertising to children, are all issues we have long been calling for, and we're pleased that the committee has responded to those calls," said Cain.
"Diabetes Australia also supports the recommendation for comprehensive economic analysis to be undertaken about the direct and indirect cost of diabetes."
The committee included recommendations regarding expanding subsidised access to insulin pumps for people with type 1 diabetes, as well as continuous glucose monitoring devices for people with type 2 and type 3c diseases requiring regular insulin, and those with the gestational condition.
Committee Chair Dr Mike Freelander said the nation is facing a diabetes epidemic.
"In Australia, approximately 1.5 million people - some 5% of the population - are known to live with a form of diabetes, with numbers rising."
This report, Freelander said, seeks to improve health outcomes for patients living with all forms of diabetes and obesity, raise awareness of risk factors, and reduce the burden of chronic disease on Australia's health care system.
The report on diabetes, informed by the committee over 15 days of public hearings, can be read HERE.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 Jul 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 04 Jul 24
