I wholeheartedly support Diabetes Australia in their efforts to have a national diabetes strategy adopted by the Federal Government.
1.5 million Australians have diabetes and without a clear national strategy Australia cannot begin to counter this significant and growing medical problem.
Moreover there are some 2 million Australians estimated to be at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. I support the implementation of a well-resourced National Diabetes Prevention Program for pre-diabetes sufferers and those at risk of developing diabetes.
I call on both Labor and Liberal to work constructively with health professionals and health policy experts to urgently develop a detailed and comprehensive national strategy to combat diabetes.
Australia simply cannot afford not to take on diabetes.
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison
