Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions in Australia. Every 8 minutes, someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with increasing rates among young people.

1.3 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes, while 2 million Australians live with all types of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $9.1 billion annually.

Diabetes Australia has marked National Diabetes Week (13 – 19 July 2025) with two major initiatives designed to tackle Australia’s type 2 diabetes epidemic and improve outcomes for people living with the condition.

A policy paper released yesterday calls on the Australian Government to more than double its investment in preventive health, lifting it to 5 per cent of total health expenditure by 2030.

A second report also highlights the importance of preventing complications, showing more than 560,000 Australians are reducing their risk of diabetes-related blindness through the KeepSight eye check reminder program.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said both reports highlight the urgent need for national leadership and coordinated action to reduce the impact of diabetes on the health system and the lives of millions of Australians.

“Prevention is the most cost-effective and sustainable strategy to address the type 2 diabetes epidemic,” Ms Cain said.

“Preventing type 2 diabetes is not only possible, it is essential. Around 58 per cent of cases can be prevented or delayed. Early detection of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also help to prevent serious complications.”

Report: A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through Prevention

The diabetes prevalence rate in Australia is increasing rapidly. Since 2000, the number of Australians diagnosed with all types of diabetes has risen by 220 percent from 460,000 to almost 1.5 million. If current trends continue, that number could reach 3.6 million by 2050.

Diabetes Australia’s new policy paper, A Healthier Future: Reducing the Impact of Diabetes Through Prevention, outlines four national priority goals:

• Prioritise reducing disparities and overcoming barriers
• Prevention and early detection of type 2 diabetes
• Strengthen support for diabetes self-management  
• Prevent complications and optimise diabetes management

“Many of the most serious complications, such as amputations, kidney failure and vision loss, can be prevented with timely, coordinated care and support,” Ms Cain said.

“Lifting investment in preventive health to 5 percent of national healthcare spending will save lives, reduce complications from chronic conditions like diabetes and help keep our health system financially sustainable.”

Report: Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision Loss

As part of its commitment to preventing complications, Diabetes Australia delivers KeepSight, a national reminder program encouraging people with diabetes to have regular eye checks.

Since its launch in 2019, KeepSight has helped more than half a million Australians reduce their risk of diabetes-related blindness by over 90 percent. Over 8,000 people join the program each month, and more than 60 percent of those who receive reminders return for ongoing checks within the recommended timeframes.

A new report, Unveiling the Value of KeepSight: Enhancing Diabetes-Related Vision Care and Preventing Vision Loss, highlights the success of the program and the importance of regular screening in detecting diabetes-related retinopathy and vision issues before symptoms appear.

“Diabetes is relentless. People manage multiple health concerns every day, and eye checks can slip down the priority list,” Ms Cain said.

“KeepSight provides a simple, effective nudge that helps people take action. It’s a great example of how digital health interventions can improve outcomes and change behaviour.”

Most participants are referred to KeepSight by their optometrist, with more than 80 per cent of the major and independent optometry providers integrated in the program. It is publicly/privately funded by the Australian Government and founding partner Specsavers, with support from the eye sector, including Vision 2020 Australia, RANZCO, and Optometry Australia.

Vision 2020 Australia CEO Carly Iles said the program breaks down common barriers to care.

“Cost, access, or even fear of a diagnosis can prevent people from getting checked. KeepSight helps reduce those barriers by offering reminders and reassurance from a trusted source,” Ms Iles said.

The report positions KeepSight as a national benchmark for coordinated diabetes eye care, bringing together government, optometry, ophthalmology and health bodies to ensure consistency and quality across the sector.

Ms Cain said both the policy paper and KeepSight report demonstrate the importance of preventing diabetes complications. 

“This is a turning point. We must act now to prevent more people from developing type 2 diabetes and ensure better care and outcomes for those already living with the condition.”