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! 

Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Role as a Support Worker

March 2, 2026
Starting your first role as a support worker is an exciting step in your healthcare career. At Health Staff Australia, we understand that stepping into a new environment — whether in aged care, disability support or community services — can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. The key to success lies in preparation, professionalism and the right mindset. Before your first shift, it’s important to ensure all compliance requirements are completed and up to date. This typically includes your National Police Check, Working With Children Check (if required), NDIS Worker Screening Check where applicable, current First Aid and CPR certification, relevant qualifications, immunisation records, proof of ID and your right to work documentation. Having your paperwork organised not only prevents delays but also demonstrates reliability and readiness from day one. Understanding your role is equally important. Take time to carefully review your employment contract, position description and any client care plans provided. Familiarise yourself with workplace policies, reporting structures and documentation procedures. If you are unsure about any aspect of your responsibilities, clarify this with your consultant or supervisor before your first shift. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what is expected of you. Practical preparation can significantly reduce first-day nerves. Confirm your shift time and location, plan your travel route in advance and allow extra time for unforeseen delays. Lay out your uniform the night before and pack essentials such as photo identification, a notebook, pen and water bottle. Presenting yourself professionally and arriving early sets a strong first impression with both colleagues and clients.  Refreshing key skills ahead of your assignment can also make a difference. Reviewing manual handling techniques, infection control practices, documentation standards and effective communication approaches will help you feel competent and capable. Even experienced support workers benefit from revisiting best-practice guidelines before entering a new workplace.
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Independence Looks Different for Everyone Living independently is something many people take for granted. For individuals living with disability, mobility challenges or learning difficulties, independence may look very different — and that’s okay. Some clients live in their own homes with regular support visits, while others live in supported or community accommodation. No matter the setting, independence isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about having choice, control and the right level of support to live a fulfilling life. Daily living skills can include: Preparing meals Managing medication Personal care and hygiene Using public transport Attending appointments Engaging in social and community activities With the right support, these everyday tasks become opportunities for growth, confidence and connection. Why Supporting Independence Matters When individuals feel empowered to make decisions and participate in daily life, their wellbeing improves significantly. Independence helps reduce anxiety, strengthens self-esteem and encourages community participation. Without consistent and thoughtful support, individuals may experience increased stress, vulnerability or social withdrawal. In some cases, a lack of appropriate guidance can place people at risk of exploitation or unsafe situations.  That’s why providing reliable, person-centred support is so important — especially in home care environments.

Supporting Our Care Workers: How Health Staff Australia Prioritizes Training, Wellbeing, and Career Growth

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Supporting Our Care Workers: How Health Staff Australia Prioritizes Training, Wellbeing, and Career Growth In 2026, the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve rapidly, and the demand for compassionate, skilled nurses and support workers in disability and aged care has never been greater. At Health Staff Australia, we recognize that the heart of exceptional care lies in the hands of our dedicated workforce.  That’s why supporting our care workers through comprehensive training, wellbeing initiatives, and meaningful career growth opportunities remains central to everything we do.