The AMA President spoke to the parliamentary inquiry about the AMA's recommendations to curb type 2 diabetes.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson appeared before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport's Inquiry into Diabetes in Australia last Friday, following a submission from the AMA.
Professor Robson told the committee the "AMA is very concerned about the impacts of diabetes on the Australian community, the health system, and the economy more broadly".
"1 in 20 Australians were living with diabetes in 2021. The cost of the health system expenditure on diabetes in Australia is an estimated $3.1 billion.
"The AMA believes that preventive measures are key to lessen the impact of diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, on Australia's health system and economy.
"Prevention not only saves lives, but also takes pressure off the health system in the long term."
Professor Robson said the AMA had recommended several measures to tackle type 2 diabetes, including a tax on sugary drinks and restricting advertising of unhealthy food and harmful product advertising targeting children.
The AMA has been strongly advocating for the introduction of a tax on sugary drinks as part of its #SicklySweet advocacy campaign.
