Chief Executive of the Alliance Susi Tegen, speaking to SBS News on the federal inquiry into diabetes, said geographical isolation can compound issues for Indigenous people with diabetes.
Ms Tegen said funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people needs to increase and programs should be drawn with their support to address issues.
Ms Tegen added that people from some migrant backgrounds are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, as are older age groups. She expressed concern that older migrants, even those living with family, can be isolated and not even realise they have developed the condition.
‘It’s not unusual for people not to know. How do you know something when you haven’t had it in the past?’ she said.
She added that more funding needs to go towards awareness, detection and preventive programs.
Listen to the interview here.