Diabetes in Australia in 2024
Heart Foundation welcomes House of Representative’s Inquiry report and recommendations on diabetes
Media release: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Recommendations address the crucial interplay between diabetes and cardiovascular risk
The Heart Foundation is today welcoming a House of Representatives Inquiry report on diabetes for its work to help people with diabetes reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes and its complications, such as kidney disease and obesity, are well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Tragically, CVD remains the leading cause of death and disability among Australians with type 2 diabetes.
The Heart Foundation is encouraged by the House of Representatives Inquiry's recognition that developing CVD or dying from it is not inevitable for people with type 2 diabetes.
Professor Garry Jennings, Chief Medical Adviser at the Heart Foundation, said the report’s recommendations were a crucial step forward in the prevention of diabetes.
“The Heart Foundation is particularly pleased with the recommendation to bring forward a review of the Australian Dietary Guidelines to better support those living with diabetes,” Prof. Jennings said.
“The report’s recommendations on clear food labelling reforms for added sugars will also empower consumers to make healthier choices.”
Prof. Jennings said the Heart Foundation looked forward to continuing its work with Government and other stakeholders to support the implementation of these recommendations.
Other positive recommendations applauded by the Heart Foundation include:
- Introducing a graduated levy on sugar-sweetened beverages.
- The regulation of unhealthy food marketing to children.
- Supporting access to healthy food in all communities.
- Developing a framework to combat unhealthy environments and promoting physical activity.
- Exploring national screening programs for all forms of diabetes.
While the Heart Foundation endorses a national diabetes screening program, there would be clear benefits for also testing for the risk of cardiovascular disease at the same time, the most common long-term consequence of diabetes. Diabetes checks are a critical part of screening for cardiovascular disease, and the Heart Foundation is continues to call for a national targeted screening program for heart disease.
"We have many international examples where heart disease and diabetes are screened together, as part of a national screening program. These programs have worked to improve the early detection and prevention of chronic diseases,” Prof. Jennings said.
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Diabetes and heart disease
Diabetes is an ongoing health condition where your body’s usual ways of controlling your blood sugar, or blood glucose levels, don’t work properly. When your body breaks down food, your blood sugar level rises. The cells in your body absorb this sugar into your bloodstream using a hormone called insulin, and use it for energy.
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People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, often regarded as the risk equivalent to someone who has previously had a heart attack or stroke.1,2 They also face cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death.3 Managing CVD risk in this group is undoubtedly critical.
Lifestyle management
Lifestyle advice and referral programs to help reduce CVD risk. Physical activity and a heart-healthy diet can help manage CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
Last updated10 July 2024