‘Enough talking’: Government called upon to help GPs treat diabetes

The Australian Government is facing mounting pressure to improve diabetes screening and support patients at risk, as National Diabetes Week kicks off.
 
The RACGP and Diabetes Australia joined forces on Monday to call on the Commonwealth to do more, as the State of the Nation 2024 report shows significant spikes in diagnoses.
 
The number of people known to be living with diabetes increased by 32% from 2013–23, making it Australia’s fastest-growing chronic disease.
 
Over the same period, there has been a 44% increase in the number of people aged 21–39 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
 
Last month, a Parliamentary inquiry into diabetes in Australia backed recommendations from the RACGP to increase preventative care options, and now the Government is being urged to act.
 
Dr Gary Deed, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes, told newsGP it is ‘high time the Government listened to the experts’.
 
‘Listen to the evidence and listen to their own colleagues who’ve recommended this in their recommendations that prioritize prevention,’ he said.
 
‘We’ve got the knowledge; we just need to support the GPs to implement their tools to make it happen.
 
‘Enough talking, enough strategising, we just need to stand up and fund it.’
 
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said GPs play a vital role in screening for diabetes and should be funded accordingly, in line with the inquiry’s findings.
 
‘We know many people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed,’ she said.
 
‘Around 90% of the population sees a GP at least once a year, but many patients who have less contact with the health system are at greater risk of developing diabetes.’
 
Type 2 diabetes is part of 11.8% of GP consultations and affects 5.5% of general practice patients.
 
The RACGP is calling for higher Medicare rebates for longer consultations and MBS rebates for patients to regularly see a GP for preventive care, Dr Higgins explains.
 
‘Like all complex chronic conditions, diabetes requires longer consultations,’ she said.
 
Dr Higgins said all patients should be screened for diabetes in line with the recommendations in the new edition of the RACGP’s Red Book preventive health guide and that the national guidelines needed updating.
 
‘Catching diabetes as early as possible allows patients to work with their GP to reduce the risk of complications,’ she said.
 
‘The gestational diabetes screening criteria should also be updated to match the latest evidence.’
 
Diabetes Australia Group Chief Executive Justine Cain said the organisation joined with the RACGP in the hopes of Government action.
 
‘We also called for investment in integrated models of care that support multidisciplinary diabetes care teams, which deliver comprehensive diabetes management for individuals,’ she said.
 
‘We want GPs to be able to better support type 2 diabetes prevention and management, and we’re advocating to Government for that.’
 
Dr Deed welcomed the pressure put on Parliament, especially as type 2 diabetes is ‘highly preventable’.
 
‘Let’s actually move forward with some quality prevention program,’ he said.
 
‘GPs need more time to be able to assess patients, but also discuss interventions that are required.
 
‘The threat from diabetes is not only now, but it’s going to get worse for the future.’
 
The Department of Health and Aged Care has been contacted for comment.
 
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