That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the alarming rise in the number of people with type 2 diabetes, estimated to be one million Australians, with half of those people currently undiagnosed,

(ii) that according to a recent landmark study by DiabCost Australia, type 2 diabetes is costing Australians a staggering $3 billion a year, with the bill for each person with diabetes averaging nearly $11 000 in expenditure and benefits,

(iii) that, according to the study, as the complications of diabetes increase, the cost per person is estimated to escalate from $4 0202 to $9 645 when there are both microvascular and macrovascular problems,

(iv) that early detection through screening programs and action to slow or prevent the onset of complications will see reductions in health costs and improve and maintain quality of life for individuals with type 2 diabetes,

(v) the contribution this landmark study by DiabCost Australia will make to better informing government and the public of a significant public health problem,

(vi) that there are approximately 100 000 Australians with type 1, or insulin dependent diabetes, and

(vii) that the Government has recognised the public and personal burden of diabetes as a national health priority; and

(b) urges the Government to:

(i) continue programs to raise public awareness of the high risk of undiagnosed and untreated cases of type 2 diabetes and take whatever steps are necessary to identify those undiagnosed with type 2 diabetes,

(ii) support access to new medications for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while ensuring that Australian taxpayers get value for money through appropriate pricing arrangements,

(iii) continue to encourage people diagnosed with diabetes to undergo regular medical tests, including eye testing, so as to prevent complications,

(iv) ensure adequate funding for further research into prevention and treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and a cure for type 1 diabetes,

(v) develop a strong education program encouraging appropriate diet and exercise regimes to minimise the risk of type 2 diabetes; and

(vi) develop strategies to heighten awareness of the rising levels of obesity, particularly in young Australians, and the associated adverse health effects of obesity.