Diabetes is on the rise in Northern Victoria, putting more pressure on our health system.
“All types of diabetes are growing at an unprecedented rate, profoundly affecting people’s lives and placing an extra burden on the health system,” Ms Broad said.
Earlier this year Ms Broad hosted a roundtable in Bendigo, bringing together people living with diabetes as well as parents, a doctor, an educator and a researcher. The roundtable highlighted some disturbing points.
“Almost 400,000 people in Victoria have been diagnosed with diabetes, and many more are unaware that they have it,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“Around 90 people develop diabetes every day in Victoria, making it the fastest-growing chronic condition. Research indicates that 30‐40% of people admitted to hospital have diabetes.
“Diabetes is the third leading driver of major health issues in Northern Victoria, behind cardiovascular disease and cancer.”
Ms Broad said people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
“Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults and a leading cause of kidney failure and amputation. Private care is expensive, and public support services are lacking.
“More needs to be done to empower people with diabetes to self-manage their condition.
“More hospital admissions could be prevented by having a diabetic educator on call, and providing peer support services, especially ones targeted at kids.
“Our health system is buckling. I’ve seen up to 10 ambulances ramped at Bendigo Health and it’s happening across the state.
“It’s important that the State Government allocates resources for preventative health measures, especially for diabetes, to reduce hospital admissions, reduce the pressure on our health system and most importantly, the impact on people’s lives.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
