People living with diabetes are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, raising serious concerns that the situation is putting people’s health at significant risk. 

According to new data from Diabetes Australia, released on World Diabetes Day, more than 90 percent of people living with diabetes are anxious about the rising cost of living, and 75 percent are worried that managing their diabetes will become unaffordable in the future. 

Worryingly, half of survey respondents said cost of living pressures were negatively impacting their ability to manage their diabetes, which includes attending GP appointments, undertaking pathology tests and purchasing syringes to administer insulin.   

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said if people living with diabetes can’t afford regular access to health care and medication to manage their condition, the risk of diabetes-related complications increases dramatically. This also places significant burden on our health care system, as more people are hospitalised with life-threatening complications.

“Diabetes is a condition that needs to be actively managed. People are being forced to make impossible choices between health care and everyday living, and ultimately that can have devastating consequences,” Ms Cain said.  

“Diabetes costs the health care system around $3.4 billion every year and that cost is only going to increase if people can’t afford proper management which can lead to complications like kidney disease, heart attack and stroke.” 

To combat rising cost of living pressures, Diabetes Australia has announced it will provide free support to all Australians living with diabetes across the country, in a major push to see people with diabetes better supported.

“A person’s post code or bank balance should not be a barrier to good health,” said Ms Cain.  

“Diabetes Australia has been proudly supporting the community for decades and now, as pressure increases on people, our support is increasing too,” Ms Cain said. 

“That’s why we’re launching Diabetes YOUnited – a free national membership program to provide trusted support and information that is easy to access and will help people, no matter what their financial situation, to live well with diabetes. 

“It doesn’t matter where you live, from Bendigo or Broome; Bundaberg to Burnie and anywhere in between, Diabetes YOUnited is available for all Australians.  

“YOUnited we are stronger,” she said. 

From today a new free membership option is available nationwide. Everyone who joins the free service will have access to up-to-date information and education tools, personalised support, regular news and updates with expert insights and resources, as well as better connection to, and support from, Australia’s largest diabetes community.  

The rising cost of living is impacting the ability of people to access or afford primary care and GP services, causing them to disengage from health care, increasing their risk of complications and leading to gridlocked public hospitals.  

People are also struggling to know who to turn to in a complex environment – that’s why we’re offering support and information that’s simple and can help people.  

There’s also an option for people who choose to, and can afford it, to upgrade to receive additional services, but all Australians can access essential support at no cost. 

People who are already members of Diabetes Australia will automatically receive the upgrade to the paid option, known as Diabetes YOUnited Plus, which includes a range of new services and supports in addition to existing benefits.  

Key findings from the research released today paint a concerning picture of the cost of living challenges faced by people living with diabetes:  

• 66% reported spending more on diabetes management now than five years ago  
• 61% described the cost of accessing diabetes medicines and technology as their greatest challenge 
• 33% have been forced to cut costs related to their diabetes management  
• 44% are turning to cheaper, less healthy food options.   

Carers are also spending more, with 82% reporting an increase in their financial contributions to managing diabetes over the past five years.  

“These statistics are alarming, but they only tell part of the story,” said Ms Cain.   

“Overwhelmingly, Australians living with diabetes have also told us that they want better access to trusted information and support. They’re looking for better connection to community and support services that will help them live well.  

“Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that support,” she said.  

Diabetes YOUnited will make it easier for more people to access Diabetes Australia’s community of support, trusted resources, and advocacy.  

By becoming a member, Australians can help amplify the voices of those most affected, ensuring that no one is left to navigate diabetes alone.  

To learn more about YOUnited and how you can support people living with diabetes, visit Diabetes Australia Membership on our website. 

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au