The 10,000 Toes Campaign has welcomed the recommendations of a year-long federal government inquiry into the state of diabetes in Australia and its impact on the country’s health system and economy.

The inquiry by the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport generated almost 500 written submissions and included 15 days of public hearings attended by individuals, organizations, and government bodies. In its report, tabled on July 4, 2024, the committee listed 23 recommendations aimed at strengthening the government’s response to diabetes and obesity.

Committee chair Dr. Mike Freelander said, “In Australia, approximately 1.5 million people—some five percent of the population—are known to live with a form of diabetes. In addition, it is expected that the number of Australians diagnosed with the condition will continue to rise. The nation faces what has throughout the inquiry been referred to as a diabetes epidemic.”

Pamela Townend, 10,000 Toes Campaign coordinator, said the committee’s report aligns with their mission to help people reduce their risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases like heart attack or stroke.

“We are pleased that the Australian government is acting against diabetes, which is consistent with our values at the 10,000 Toes Campaign,” Townend said. “We have been taking bold steps to tackle diabetes across the South Pacific, positively impacting people’s lives. With an estimated 2 million Australians living with all types of diabetes, the committee’s recommendations align with our key health strategies across the South Pacific,” she added.

According to Dr. Freelander, the committee’s report's fundamental aim is to improve health outcomes for Australians affected by all forms of diabetes. By placing particular emphasis on prevention, the committee is also seeking to raise awareness of major risk factors associated with the disease, such as obesity.

“Throughout the inquiry, the committee heard about ways the Australian government can improve access to new diabetes technology and life-saving medications for people living with different forms of diabetes,” he said. “There are also many ways that we can support Australians in preventing and delaying the onset of and better managing this condition. This report seeks to improve health outcomes for patients living with all forms of diabetes and obesity and reduce the burden of chronic disease on Australia’s health care system.”

The 10,000 Toes Campaign is an initiative of health ministries at the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division website.