The diabetes burden in Australia shows no sign of slowing and its health and economic impact continues to be felt by people with diabetes, their families and the broader community.

This report provides alarming predictions of the number of people who are expected to be affected by diabetes by 2050 and the associated cost to the health system. The findings are particularly disturbing in the context of Australia’s advanced health system and the many significant evidence-based developments in diabetes prevention and care over the past 20 years.

Australia has an excellent foundation for limiting the impact of diabetes including universal health coverage through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) which is the envy of the world, and well trained and dedicated health professionals.

This report serves as a call to action to avert the predicted increase in the diabetes burden.