TLDR
Our team met with people living with diabetes at the Perth Diabetes and Health Expo. We heard concerns about stigma, cost, and access to care. These insights will guide our advocacy work to support fair and responsive services in Western Australia.
Aimee Riddell and Tania Harris attended the Perth Diabetes and Health Expo hosted by Perth Diabetes Care. The event brought together people living with diabetes, carers, service providers, and advocates from across Western Australia.
We used the opportunity to speak directly with consumers. People told us that cost remains a barrier to routine care. Some spoke about long wait times for support. Others raised concerns about the stigma linked to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These conversations helped us understand the real pressures people face each day.
People also told us that health services feel more respectful when consumers help design them. Many said that lived experience brings clarity to decisions about treatment pathways, education, and community support. Hearing this reinforced the value of strong consumer voice in every part of the health system.
Our team also met local organisations that support diabetes care. This included educators, nurses, community programs, and allied health providers. These groups play a key role in helping people stay well, manage daily tasks, and understand treatment options.
Events like this show the importance of building strong links between consumers and health services. They help ensure that decisions take real experience into account. They also help reduce stigma by giving space for open and honest conversations.
We thank Perth Diabetes Care for hosting the event. We look forward to future opportunities to stand with the diabetes community and support better access to safe, affordable, high quality care.
