National Diabetes Week Australia

Diabetes Doesn’t Discriminate! 

So why should access to live-saving devices be accessible to those who can afford it!


Diabetes week was launched in 2015 at Lightwell Federation Square in Melbourne, in a collective effort to raise awareness of the prevalence of the Diabetes in the Australian Community. 


This year Diabetes Australia aims to shine a light on the impact of Diabetes and Technology and increase access for all people to access the latest lifesaving technology. Just as Diabetes doesn’t discriminate – access to the advancements in treatments should be accessible to all! 

What is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a disease where you blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. Our bodies create Glucose, as well as receive Glucose from the food we eat. Diabetes occurs when our Pancreas struggles with the creation of Insulin that helps glucose get absorbed by our cells- creating either too much or too little insulin. 


Types of Diabetes: 

  • Type 1 Diabetes: This occurs when the pancreas creates little or no insulin. It is more common in from young adolescence, and it is often referred to as Juvenile Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more linked to genetics. It is considered an Autoimmune disease. 

 

  • Type 2 Diabetes: This affects how our bodies use sugar (glucose) for energy, which lead to high levels of sugar. Your body starts making less insulin than is needed and leads to insulin resistance. Whilst this can be affected by genetics, Type-2 Diabetes is related to diet and obesity. 

 

  • Gestational Diabetes: This occurs in pregnant women due to hormone changes and raises the levels of blood sugar. Whilst it can be managed through diet and exercise, some mothers require insulin assistance. Gestational diabetes can have significant effects on both mom and baby, leading to problems such as preeclampsia ( a sudden dangerous spike in blood pressure), pre-term labour and pregnancy loss during the last 4-8 weeks. 


What is the prevalence of Diabetes? 

  • There are approximately 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes. 
  • If Diabetes continues to rise at the current rate, it is estimated that there will be 3 million
  • Australians over the age of 25. 
  • Type 2 Diabetes is the main cause for the rise of Diabetes in Australia due to Obesity,
  • physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. 


Did you know there is no cure for Diabetes, but Type -2 Diabetes can be reversed through careful control and management of blood sugars through a routine of healthy exercise and diet. It may never completely disappear, but you can get to the point where you no longer have to take medications to control your sugar through a healthy lifestyle. 

 

This year Diabetes Australia is advocating for affordable access to life saving CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) Devices and Insulin Pumps. These devices greatly improve the quality of life for patients, particularly those living with Type-1 Diabetes. 


How do CGM Devices and Insulin Pumps work: 


A CGM device is a glucose monitor that is inserted just below your skin. It is a sensor that monitors your blood glucose 24 hours a day, meaning less finger pricks and crises as many factors can change your blood sugar levels, which suffers may not be aware of. 24-hour real-time monitoring send information to your phone that sets off an alarm, helping patients be aware that there is a glucose level problem and act immediately. It also provides data on the trends that affect your glucose levels, helping you to identify triggering situations. 


An Insulin Pump is a small wearable device that delivers insulin into the bloodstream at specific times and are an alternative to having to multiple daily injections. These can greatly affect the quality of life for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as it measures your meal intake and variants and provides accurate doses of insulin that your body needs. 


A CGM device can be paired with an Insulin Pump, providing peace of mind and better management. 


Why is advocacy for access so important: 

In 2022, the Australian Government subsidised CGM devices for all people living with Type-1 Diabetes. This was a huge step forward and has improved thousands of lives, however due to the high cost of these devices, many Australians are still unable to access these devices, leading to difficulties for hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis and has massive consequence for the health of Diabetes sufferers and the health care system. 

 

What you can do: 


Sign and share this petition for equitable access to aid for people with T1 diabetes. This is a call to action on the Australian Government to change the way universal insulin aids are funded, providing vital care accessible to ALL Australians. 

 

Share your Story on Diabetes Australia and join thousands of people with real life stories on how insulin pumps will make an incredible difference in their lives. We need to know the very real challenges faced by individuals with Diabetes and your story helps aid a continuous dialogue for advocacy and care. 


If you or a family member or friend are suffering with Diabetes, join in these various events that provide community involvement, helpful resources and support to all Diabetes sufferers.

You don’t have to do it alone. 

 

Share this post – Diabetes can occur at any stage from Childhood to the Elderly! 

Raising Awareness can bring life saving treatment to any member of your family or friends –

 including YOU! 

We attended the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2025

September 29, 2025
Health Staff Australia Going Places! Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2025 On Tuesday, 17 September 2025, we had an amazing time attending and showcasing at this year’s Shoalhaven Disability Expo at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre in Bomaderry. Now in its 11th year, this expo is the largest volunteer-run, not-for-profit event in the region, bringing together people of all abilities, families, carers, and friends for a day full of learning, connection, and fun. The expo was buzzing with over 90 service providers, engaging activities, and local community groups — and our stand definitely stood out! We had the chance to meet incredible people, make new friends, and connect with the community in a meaningful way. Every conversation, smile, and shared story reminded us why we love being part of events like this.  From meaningful chats with families and carers to connecting with other service providers, the day was packed with energy, inspiration, and a real sense of community. Our team brought their A-game, showcasing what Health Staff Australia has to offer, while having an absolute blast meeting everyone who stopped by our stand. A huge thank you to our amazing staff who made this possible — your energy and enthusiasm lit up the room! And of course, a big shout-out to the Shoalhaven Disability Forum for organizing such an inclusive and vibrant event, including the Quiet Hour from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, which made the day even more welcoming for everyone. We left the expo inspired, energized, and already looking forward to next year. To everyone who visited our stand — thank you for making it such a memorable day. Can’t wait to see you all again! Health Staff Australia is proud to be part of the Shoalhaven community , connecting, sharing, and supporting people of all abilities, their families, and carers — one exciting event at a time!
Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide. The impact is devastating — ripplin

Changing the Narrative on Suicide

September 8, 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide . The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. On 10 September 2025 , people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. The movement calls us to action in several key ways: Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. Ways You Can Get Involved in World Suicide Prevention Day 1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 2. Raise Awareness at Work Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 3. Reach Out to Someone If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 4. Listen Well When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 6. Encourage People to Seek Support Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

The Youth Is Needed

August 6, 2025
International Youth Day – Celebrating the Future of Healthcare Each year on International Youth Day, we honour the creativity, resilience, and potential of young people around the globe. At Health Staff Australia, we believe it’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight how youth play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country — from aged care to frontline nursing and allied health services. Young healthcare professionals are not just the future — they’re already making a difference today. Whether it’s through their work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Assistant in Nursing (AINs), Support Workers, Doctors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), or in countless other roles, young people are stepping up with compassion, innovation, and a drive to care. Youth in Aged Care and Nursing: The Impact is Real Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, particularly as our population ages. This makes sectors like aged care and disability support more vital than ever. Youth who choose careers in these fields bring fresh energy, empathy, and a willingness to learn — helping to enhance the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The nursing profession is the largest single health profession in Australia, and as the Australian Parliament notes, “workforce planning is critical to ensure alignment of nursing supply with demand required by the health system, to create a sustainable nursing workforce for Australia” ( source ). That means we need more young people to consider healthcare as a career path — and not just any role, but those in high-demand sectors like residential aged care, community health, mental health support, and disability services.