Understanding Diabetes: Separating facts from fear.

In the five minutes we spend making our morning coffee, at least one Australian will be diagnosed with diabetes.

That’s 300 more Australians living with all types of diabetes every day.

Despite how common it is, diabetes is one of the most misunderstood health issues in our community.

Diabetes is complex, shaped by a wide range of factors including genetics, biological, social, environmental, and behavioural factors.

But assumptions and misinformation about diabetes often lead to fear, stigma, and silence, preventing people from accessing the care they need or living confidently.

No one chooses diabetes – and no one should be judged or blamed for living with it.

Addressing the impact

Diabetes Victoria has supported the diabetes community for over 70 years.

They envision a future where diabetes is better understood, where stigma is a thing of the past, where no one feels alone in managing diabetes, and a cure is found.

The impact of diabetes extends beyond the individual, with the economic impact on the Australian economy estimated at $3.4 billion in 2020-2021.

Addressing the health issues for individuals and economic toll on the community is central to Diabetes Victoria’s ambitions.

This National Diabetes Week (13 – 19 July), Diabetes Victoria is encouraging people to be proactive and schedule a health check, to help improve their long-term health outcomes. 

Overcoming stigma

Being diagnosed with diabetes isn’t the end – it’s the first step towards managing the condition and protecting your health.

But often people feel the stigma of a diabetes diagnosis which can lead to silence and shame.

Around one in three people with diabetes has experienced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and even healthcare settings.

It’s no wonder some people hide their condition to avoid judgement. This might mean skipping blood glucose checks or insulin doses in public which can impact their health and wellbeing.

Living with diabetes can also take an emotional toll because it isn’t something you manage once a week, it’s a 24/7 condition.

More support is needed to help people better manage all types of diabetes.

The way forward

One of Diabetes Victoria’s goals is to overcome stigma and discrimination. Diabetes Victoria is a strong supporter of the Pledge to End Diabetes Stigma and Discrimination, which has thousands of signatures from over 115 countries.

Each year, Diabetes Victoria collaborates with its community and partners to create meaningful change for people affected by diabetes. Through initiatives like the Life! Program which has helped over 75,000 Victorians lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, educational programs, more than 80 peer support groups, and camps for children with type 1 diabetes, the organisation remains committed to access, empowerment, and connection.

Another important part of Diabetes Victoria’s work is its ongoing investment in research. Since 2015, they have contributed more than $22 million to diabetes research, supporting innovative projects across prevention, management, and treatment.

The more the community understands diabetes, the better equipped it is to improve care, shape policy, and reduce the stigma that still surrounds it.

Partnering for the future

To keep building on the past seven decades of work, Diabetes Victoria is not standing still.

The organisation has embraced innovative business models, like its clothing collection and recycling program with Savers Australia, which turns unwanted items into funding for diabetes support and research.

It’s also helping other charities build more sustainable operations, offering services that improve technology efficiencies and impact across the sector.

There are many meaningful ways you can get involved, whether it’s by donating clothing, supporting the cause, or becoming a free member.

Of course, none of this can happen alone. Partnerships are critical.

ANZ and Diabetes Victoria recently formed a partnership that streamlined Diabetes Victoria’s day-to-day banking and delivered significant operational cost savings ANZ also implemented Fileactive technology and utilised Shout For Good’s zero cost donation platform for Diabetes Victoria.

“At ANZ, we’re proud to support Diabetes Victoria and the vital work they’re doing to enhance support services, influence health outcomes, and foster greater understanding of diabetes. Partnerships like this show the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change for communities across Australia,” Relationship Manager Dimitri Toumazou said.

ANZ also hosts a clothing bin at its head office, helping to broaden the reach of Diabetes Victoria’s clothing collection initiative.

Support from organisations like ANZ helps Diabetes Victoria spread vital messages, reach more people, and drive progress in public awareness, health policy, and research funding.

Diabetes isn’t something people should face alone — it’s a challenge that requires collective action and shared support. Together, it is about creating a future where diabetes doesn’t hold anyone back.

Jeff Whalley is Journalist at ANZ