Bridget Foley was diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager, but now the 33-year-old says she’s struggling to keep up with her treatment in the cost-of-living crisis.
“I often skip out on going to medical appointments I should be going to,” Foley said.
“I try to avoid them so I don’t have those extra costs.”
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And she’s not the only one.
Diabetes Australia told 9News that “too many people” with the condition have cut back on doctor’s appointments, pathology tests, medication and healthy foods.
“I’ve even heard some people are rationing their medicine, which is just terrible,” Diabetes Australia CEO Justine Cain said.
“We need to do all we can to support this community, it’s a community in crisis.”
A report released today also revealed that 93 per cent of people with diabetes are worried about the cost of living.
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Out of those, 65 per cent said it was the main stress point in their lives, 33 per cent said they have been forced to cut out costs relating to how they manage the disease, while another 44 per cent said they had turned to cheaper and less healthy food options.
“People with diabetes are really suffering in the cost of living crisis at the moment,” Foley said.
On average, 300 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day, and experts say if they can’t access the treatment they need it greatly increases their risk of complications in the future.
Diabetes Australia has today launched a program called YOUnitied, which will provide free and easy access to support and advice for people living with the metabolic disease.
