Parliamentary diabetes inquiry report

The Health Committee’s diabetes report, The State of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia in 2024, has been
tabled today in Parliament and has uncovered the growing prevalence of diabetes across Australia. It
is a public health imperative that we take immediate action on all forms of diabetes.

The report acknowledges that Type 1 diabetes can be triggered by COVID-19 and is a reason for an
increase in Type 1 in recent times. As a mother of a son with who developed Type 1 diabetes shortly
after having COVID-19, it is heartening to know that this has been seriously recognised by the
Committee.

As Deputy Chair of the Committee at the time of the inquiry, it was my strong desire that we
maintained a strong focus on Type 1 diabetes, particularly its impacts on young people.
Regarding Type 1 diabetes, I support all the recommendations.

The report recommends further research funding into diabetes within the Australian context. This is
needed for those with Type 1, where research is the only way to a cure.

The report also calls for more diabetes educators. The public health system is extremely stretched. I
experienced this firsthand with my son on Type 1 diagnosis when Nepean Hospital only had one Type
1 diabetes educator for new patients. This story is the same across Western Sydney for those with
Type 1. The daily work of diabetes educators is so important for those who have just been diagnosed
and throughout life.

In terms of medical technology, there is a recommendation to extend constant glucose monitoring
(CGM) devices for all. Regarding insulin pumps, we’ve seen the government cut choices available to
those with Type 1 to one product. This must change as choice is pivotal for those with Type 1 in
ensuring they have access to the devices that work for them.

I have strongly advocated that those with Type 1 diabetes have access to fully subsidised devices
given those that are now 21 and above must make co-payments for these lifesaving products. Choice
in devices and on-going advances in medical technology is life saving for those managing Type 1
diabetes. We need such ideas to be taken up by government so that those the lives of those with this
chronic illness are made easier.

There is no doubt that Australia has an epidemic in relation to Type 2 diabetes. Some of the highest
rates of Type 2 diabetes are in Western Sydney, and in my own electorate of Lindsay spanning from
Penrith to St Marys. Action needs to be taken to change this.

In terms of Type 2 diabetes, I strongly support early intervention, especially the promotion of
physical activity and healthy eating habits which should be engrained in the primary school
curriculum. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in children, and we need to counter this immediately.

It is time for a new public health campaign to encourage healthy, active lifestyles, with a focus on the
prevention of Type 2 diabetes. Low carbohydrate diets need more attention.

As the former Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I fully support for
the recommendation for the government to review access for juvenile mental health for those with
diabetes.