Diabetes
Diabetes is one of Australia’s fastest-growing health concerns, affecting both individuals and the broader healthcare system.
As of 2022, around 1.3 million Australians—or 5.3% of the population—are living with some form of diabetes (ABS, 2022). The majority (85–90%) have type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable (AIHW, 2023).
In Queensland, the prevalence has surged from 3.2% in 2001 to 5.1% in 2022, reflecting national trends. Men are particularly at risk, with 6.4% affected compared to 4.1% of women (ABS, 2022). This steady rise signals a growing public health challenge.
Diabetes isn’t just a clinical issue; it’s an economic one. In 2020–21, Australia spent $3.4 billion on diabetes care, accounting for 2.3% of all disease-related health expenditure (AIHW, 2022). Beyond direct healthcare costs, missed check-ups, delayed interventions, and preventable complications related to type 2 diabetes are estimated to cost an additional $2.3 billion annually (Diabetes Australia, 2022).
The human toll is even more profound. Further complications from diabetes include heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations are common, significantly reducing quality of life.
Choose an activity
Given the rising prevalence of diabetes, its significant health and economic impacts, and the proven benefits of early intervention, our project has three focus areas:
- Improve Identification and Prevention of Diabetes
By proactively identifying at-risk individuals and implementing early interventions, we can reduce the impact of diabetes and its complications. - Enhance Data Quality
Accurate, comprehensive data is the foundation of effective diabetes management. High-quality data helps us monitor trends, identify gaps, and tailor care to improve patient outcomes. - Improve Diabetes Care and Health Outcomes
Optimising clinical management, including regular HbA1c monitoring, complication screening, and coordinated care, will improve health outcomes and reduce preventable hospitalisations.
Practices can choose Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), practice-specific activities you think will improve the Diabetes Prevention and Care for your patient cohort. The Practice Development Matrix can help you to develop these activities.
Complete the activities
Work on your proposed activities with the support of your Brisbane North PHN QI&D Engagement Officer between.
For support and guidance on implementing health assessments in your practice, contact our quality improvement and development engagement officers via the Practice Support email and phone line.
