Dietitians Urge Federal Government to Fund Diabetes Prevention in Australia

In a renewed call during National Diabetes Week 2025, Dietitians Australia is urging the Federal Government to provide increased funding for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The organization advocates for expanded access to accredited practicing dietitians through Medicare, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to nutrition support that can prevent chronic diseases from escalating.

Type 2 diabetes represents approximately 85% of all diabetes cases in Australia, with evidence suggesting that up to 58% of these cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, particularly improved dietary habits. Dr. Fiona Willer, President of Dietitians Australia, stated, "Currently, Australians are only eligible for very limited Medicare-subsidized support after a chronic condition such as type-2 diabetes is diagnosed. This model falls woefully short of what is needed for the prevention and early management of diet-related diseases."

The organization is advocating for a minimum of 12 Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Medicare sessions for those diagnosed with diet-related chronic conditions and for the Federal Government to invest in a national coordinated nutrition strategy. Dr. Willer highlighted, "Improving dietary quality by increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains while reducing foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat is fundamental to preventing type 2 diabetes."

The call for action is supported by findings from the Parliamentary Inquiry in Diabetes Mellitus 2024 final report, which recommends decisive initiatives to improve diabetes care in Australia. Dr. Willer reiterated the crucial role of dietitians, stating, "When it comes to making sense of diet and nutrition information, accredited practicing dietitians are the people with years of clinical training that can be harnessed to support Australians."

The importance of timely access to nutrition expertise has been underscored amid the proliferation of nutrition misinformation on digital platforms. Dietitians Australia asserts that by limiting access to dietitians, the Government is restricting the potential to prevent diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes before they manifest. The organization’s advocacy aims to enhance the quality of health outcomes for Australians by embedding dietitians at the forefront of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and long-term management of diabetes and chronic diseases.

As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, the implications of inaction could lead to increased healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes. The Federal Government's response to these urgent calls for funding and policy change will be pivotal in addressing this growing public health crisis effectively. With a clear path forward, Dietitians Australia remains committed to advocating for essential changes that prioritize the health of all Australians.