Diabetes Australia is promising to ramp up the advocacy and support it offers for diabetes in pregnancy after inking a deal to form an alliance with the nation’s peak body for the condition.

The arrangement makes the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) an associate member of Diabetes Australia, which already aims to assist people affected by all types of diabetes, as well as those at risk.

But the partnership should enable both organisations to strengthen their support and advocacy for pregnant women with diabetes, says Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain.

“Diabetes Australia is steadfast in our commitment to leading and implementing strategies that affect change which improve the lives of people living with, and at risk of, diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“Gestational diabetes (GDM) is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia, making pregnant women a significant focus of prevention and care work.

“Mothers have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life after experiencing GDM in their pregnancy, and the risk is also higher for the children of those pregnancies.

“By unifying our efforts with ADIPS, we are creating a stronger voice for pregnant women with diabetes and increasing our ability to support them,” Ms Cain said.

The number of women diagnosed with GDM annually has more than doubled over the past decade. In the 12 months to June 2023, more than 44,700 women were diagnosed with GDM.

ADIPS President Professor David Simmons said a stronger partnership with Diabetes Australia would further strengthen Australian and New Zealand international leadership in clinical practice, research and advocacy for women with diabetes in pregnancy, their families and care providers.

“ADIPS is passionate about helping ensure that pregnancies complicated by diabetes are safe and happy.  We know how much work this can be for those with diabetes and their partners and are always striving to find ways to improve the experience while reducing the complications,” Professor Simmons said.

“ADIPS is delighted to work closely with Diabetes Australia, as the leading consumer diabetes organisation in Australia, allowing us to collaborate with our expertise in diabetes in pregnancy, to the wider mission of supporting those with diabetes throughout the life course.”