Funding for diabetes care urged

NATIONALS Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has called for funding for diabetes care to be prioritised in the upcoming State Budget.

During a recent event in Bendigo organised by advocacy organisation Breakthrough T1D, Ms Broad spoke with families impacted by diabetes and learned about the challenges they face due to funding cuts.

The recent Federal Budget did not allocate any funding for diabetes priorities.

More than 1.5 million Australians live with diabetes, and around 90 people develop diabetes every day in Victoria.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common, and its prevalence increases with age, affecting around 19 per cent of Australians aged 75 and older. ​

“Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition, and there is an urgent need for increased funding and resources for diabetes care in our region,” Ms Broad said.

“Diabetes needs to remain front of mind in our health system, engaging health professionals and people with lived experience to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of healthcare services for people with (the condition).”

In addition to the challenges faced by those with Type 1 diabetes, Ms Broad noted the growing number of people with early onset Type 2 diabetes and the need for early intervention.

Ms Broad is a co-chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of People Affected by Diabetes Group and last year held a diabetes forum in Bendigo, as well as an additional event at Parliament House.

The 2025–26 State Budget will be delivered on Tuesday 20 May.