Diabetes Victoria celebrates 70 years serving the community

Since 1953, Diabetes Victoria has had a long history of amplifying the voices of people living with diabetes in the Victorian community.

Our unique legacy of care, support, research and advocacy is for people living with, or at risk of, diabetes and is at the heart of all we do.

Use the hashtag #DV70 and tagged us on social media to share your memories with Diabetes Victoria!

Our Story

On Tuesday 24 March in 1953, the first meeting of the Victorian Diabetics Association (VDA) was held at Melbourne Town Hall – this was the first members meeting of what we now call Diabetes Victoria.

We celebrate 70 years of advocating for people affected by, or at risk of, diabetes. This is a legacy we’re incredibly proud of and excited to celebrate.

Seven decades ago, the knowledge and understanding of diabetes by the medical profession and the community was not well informed. Therefore, the VDA was formed – because people with diabetes wanted ownership of their condition, taking an active role in everyday self-management.

From the beginning, the motto of the VDA was: “Self-help not self-pity.” Aiming to improve the lives of people with diabetes through practical guidance and public education, the VDA was set up as a solely philanthropic body, run by people with diabetes and their friends.

So much has happened since 1953. The treatment and management of diabetes has made staggering progress and research developments continue improving the quality of life of people living with diabetes. We are proud of the role we have played in pursuing this agenda.

Yet, we wouldn’t be here without 70 years of support from our community – so thank you! We’ll continue to be here to serve you until the happy day a cure is found for all types of diabetes.

Glen Noonan

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Loveridge

President

12 things you need to know about diabetes

Diabetes is not one condition: there are three main types (type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes) and several other types.

All types of diabetes are increasing – they are all complex, serious, and require daily self-management.

Approximately 60% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented.

All people with type 1 diabetes require insulin for survival; and more than twice as many people living with type 2 diabetes also need insulin to manage their diabetes.

Gestational diabetes affects 1 in 6 pregnancies.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and a leading cause of kidney failure and dialysis; people with diabetes are 4x more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. and 15x more likely to have a limb amputation.40% of diabetes expenditure in Victoria is on hospital services.

40% of diabetes expenditure in Victoria is on hospital services.

1 in 3 people with diabetes experience depression, anxiety or diabetes-specific distress.

1 in 4 people in Victoria’s hospitals have diabetes.

Diabetes is the 10th leading ‘underlying’ cause of death in Victoria – but is far more likely to be listed as an ‘associated’ cause of death, where the diabetes-related complication is listed as the underlying cause.