Protecting Australia’s supply of diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, expanding access to life-changing glucose-monitoring technology, and charging a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks are measures being proposed to tackle the diabetes epidemic, after new statistics revealed at least 1.5 million across the country are now living with the condition.
Among the recommendations aimed at prevention are proposals for a 20 per cent levy on sugar-sweetened drinks and a mandated health star rating on all packaged foods.The advocacy body and diabetes support provider also wants to boost supply of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide , and stronger regulation that would guarantee access for people who need it to treat their type 2 diabetes.
“There was a period of time when it was really hard to get, and that was quite stressful – seeing people who didn’t really need it were getting the supply.” “Getting in to see your doctor and being able to afford your diabetes medication is critical in managing diabetes,” he said. “This has been our priority.”