Missed health checks – including eye examinations – reduced access to routine healthcare for people living with type 2 diabetes could be costing the Australian health system around $2.3 billion per annum, according to Diabetes Australia.
New modelling, based on US research, found that the cost impact of people in Australia living with type 2 diabetes not receiving recommended care was around AU$3,564 per person per annum.
An estimated 50% of Australians living with type 2 diabetes are not accessing a range of recommended diabetes health checks that help to prevent and manage diabetes-related complications including checks for diabetes management, cholesterol, kidneys, feet and eye health.
Missed health checks contribute to the increased prevalence of diabetes-related hospitalisations and complications. Annually this includes:
- 100,000 hospitalisations for eye complications
- 710,000 admissions to hospital for dialysis
- 256,000 admissions to hospital for other kidney-related conditions
- 19,000 diabetes-related emergency admissions
- 5,163 amputations
This results in extra costs to the health system, with an increased prevalence of diabetes-related complications, many of which are preventable, Diabetes Australia stated.
Ms Taryn Black, director of the KeepSight diabetes eye check reminder program, said in addition to the impact of missed eye health checks on the economy, it was also a significant, but unnecessary, risk for the individual.
“We know that regular eye checks and early intervention can prevent more than 90% of vision loss for people with diabetes. Quite simply, regular checks save sight,” Black said.
KeepSight was developed specifically to address this issue by sending people reminders when they are due for an eye check.
Run by Diabetes Australia and now in its fourth year, the program’s goal is to ensure all Australians with diabetes are receiving regular eye checks. It’s backed by a public/private partnership with the Federal Government and Specsavers.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Ms Justine Cain said diabetes was complex and could lead to a range of debilitating and costly complications, many that could be prevented or delayed by ensuring people receive timely and appropriate medical care.
“One of the challenges with Australia’s healthcare system is that it has been orientated towards treating people when they are sick and unwell, rather than preventing issues before they develop,” Cain said.
“For people with diabetes, this means we need to ensure people can easily access the routine health checks which can detect problems like vision loss early when it is most treatable.
“That’s why we are strong supporters of the Federal Government’s Strengthening Medicare process which will create a health system that better meets the needs of people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes.”
On the back of National Diabetes Week in July, Diabetes Australia is currently working with people living with diabetes to document their experience to inform the Australian Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes.
“We’re hoping to amplify the voice of people with diabetes who understand the reality of living with diabetes better than anyone to ensure this inquiry focusses on the priorities that will change the future,” Cain said.
“We need to have a health system that is geared towards supporting people living with diabetes to live well and prevent diabetes-related complications and protect our health system.”
Mr Linden Moffatt knows this only too well. As part of his diabetes management he receives KeepSight reminders and regularly sees an optometrist.
“I know many individuals who have been affected by diabetes related eye disease and I’ve witnessed first-hand the effect these conditions have on their lives, their confidence. I encourage everyone to have their eyes monitored and tested. An early detection can be the difference between keeping and losing your vision,” Moffatt said.
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