Diabetes was the number one potential preventable hospitalisation in Australian hospitals in 2023-24, at a cost of $962M.
Heart disease, kidney disease and circulatory-related infection which are also associated withpoorly controlled diabetes were also in that top 5.
If we can reduce the incidence of diabetes, if we can take pressure off our hospital systems by reducing the prevalence of chronic disease.
One in six Australians over the age of 65 are living with type 2 diabetes.
44% of all hospitalisations involve someone aged over 65 and account for 52% of all hospital days.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADMITS GLP-1S IMPROVING AUSTRALIA’S HEALTH WITH REDUCTION IN NDSS REGISTRATIONS
The Department of Health Disability and Ageing released its 2025-26 Annual Report today. The Reportincluded data that showed the number of Australians registered for the National Diabetes Services Scheme(NDSS) fell by 25,160 users (3.34%) in 2025-26 compared to 2024-25. The Department noted that:
“Reduced clinical need for products, where changes in an individual’s clinical circumstances reduce their need for [NDSS] products to manage their condition. This may reflect improved diabetesmanagement and prevention, including the expanded use of GLP-1 inhibitors and the positive impact of public health programs.
The expanded use of GLP-1 inhibitors and the success of public health programs may be contributing to lower demand for NDSS products. At present, there is insufficient data to determine the extent to which these potential factors have influenced the need for NDSS products.”i
Meanwhile with Nostradata reporting that 1.6M Australians are paying privately for access to GLP-1s, the PBAC’s recommendations for access on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is now severely languishing behind the Department’s contemporary views.
It is time for the Government to act to lost these medicines on the PBs.
Contact details:
David Mackay
M: 0468 364 899