A recent study has uncovered that the number of Australians living with diabetes may be as much as 35% higher than previous estimates, raising important concerns about the scale of this chronic health issue in the country.
Researchers from the University of Sydney analyzed a range of data, including Medicare records, hospital admissions, and pharmaceutical claims. Their findings suggest that over two million Australians could be living with diabetes, many of whom are not currently reflected in the official diabetes registry.
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) allows individuals diagnosed with diabetes to voluntarily register, providing access to subsidized diabetes management resources such as insulin pumps, syringes, and blood glucose test strips. However, not all patients choose to register, particularly those who manage their type 2 diabetes through lifestyle modifications or medications like metformin.
Lead author Emma Cox emphasized that this underreporting represents not only a data gap but also a significant public health challenge. She noted that the population living with diabetes is more diverse than previously understood, with higher numbers of older Australians, people in remote communities, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“This isn’t just a data issue; it’s a public health issue,” said Cox. “A large portion of Australians is missing from national statistics, which complicates the planning of services, allocation of funding, and the development of targeted prevention strategies.”
The study’s results also highlight the potential underrepresentation of individuals with type 2 diabetes, who may be less likely to register with the NDSS due to their condition being managed through non-medical interventions. Professor Grant Brinkworth, Director of Research at Diabetes Australia, pointed out that the absence of these individuals from official data means they are also excluded from important policy and funding decisions.
To address these gaps, the research underscores the need for improved diabetes screening, earlier diagnoses, and stronger integration within the health system. The findings call for enhanced efforts to ensure that every person affected by diabetes is accounted for and supported.
Diabetes Australia has committed to collaborating with the Australian Government and healthcare providers to eliminate barriers to NDSS registration, ensuring more timely reporting and accurate data collection.
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