Diabetes resources

National Diabetes Strategy 2000-2004

Overview

In recognition of the impact that diabetes has on the Australian community, the Australian Health Ministers agreed in 1996 that diabetes mellitus would become one of the five National Health Priority Areas. The significance of this decision is that it focuses public attention and health policy on diabetes as a condition associated with a large burden of illness in Australia.

Complementing this decision the Commonwealth Government announced funding of $7.7 million over three years for activities that would improve the awareness and the management of diabetes in Australia. Significant projects funded included a Community Awareness Diabetes Strategy (CADS), the establishment of a National Diabetes Register and the consultancy that led to the publication of the ‘National Diabetes Strategy and Implementation Plan’ report.

Health Ministers agree that in order to continue the momentum in improving the prevention and management of diabetes in Australia, it is important to put in place a National Diabetes Strategy. Such a strategy will assist Governments and service providers in identifying key areas for action aimed at improving the health of Australians with, or at risk of, diabetes. The aims of the National Diabetes Strategy are to:

• ensure appropriate attention is given to primary prevention, including risk reduction, effective high quality management of diabetes and research;
• establish an effective partnership between governments, health care professionals, non-government organisations, consumers and carers;
• build on experience and successes to date.

Download document

Available from the National Health Priorities and Quality web site.

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