The Australian government has marked World Diabetes Day (on 14th November) by releasing a new 10 year plan to better support Australians living with all forms of diabetes.

The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 will drive real improvements in the prevention, early detection, management, and care of people with diabetes.

With approximately one in 20 Australians affected by diabetes, the new strategy will bring together the latest research and evidence to ensure that health response continues to adapt to the changing health environment.

The strategy is aimed at all Australians living with diabetes, and includes information relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic and living in a COVID safe manner and diabetes self-management.

The primary goals are to prevent people from developing type 2 diabetes; promoting awareness and earlier detection of type 1 and type 2 diabetes; reducing the burden of diabetes and its complications; and reducing the impact of pre-exisiting and gestational diabetes in pregnancy; among others.

Significant investments have been made in diabetes research, including $626 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council since 2010, and $78 million through the Medical Research Future Fund since 2015.