The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has used Diabetes Awareness Week to call for urgent and sustained investment in community-led solutions to tackle diabetes in Indigenous communities.

Representing 146 Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the country, NACCHO says community-driven care is delivering results — but much more is needed to close the gap in health outcomes.

In a statement, the organisation highlighted a drop in diabetes-related deaths among Indigenous Australians from 100 per 100,000 people in 2008 to 70 per 100,000 in 2019 — a change NACCHO attributes to culturally safe, community-led care.

"Every improvement, every life changed, comes from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leading the solutions, for our families and for the next generation," NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills said.

"But the numbers tell us there is still so much to do. This Diabetes Awareness Week, we're calling on government and partners to invest in what works so that we can turn today's progress into tomorrow's healthy futures."

According to NACCHO, more than 5,500 additional patients attending ACCHOs now have their blood sugar levels under control compared to four years ago. This is in part due to innovations such as point-of-care testing and improved access to newer therapies and technologies.

Despite this progress, diabetes remains a leading cause of death for First Nations people, accounting for 7.3 per cent of all deaths — five times the rate of non-Indigenous Australians.

NACCHO Medical Advisor Dr Jason Agostino said the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among young Indigenous Australians is one of the highest in the world.

"For our kids, this is not just a statistic, it's a reality," he said.

"Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is increasing, and with early detection and treatment, we can support people to live healthy lives and avoid complications such as kidney failure and dialysis."

He added diabetes often does not occur in isolation.

"Most people starting dialysis in our communities have diabetes, and many also live with heart or liver disease," he said.

"While management is improving, the complex needs of our people require long-term investment and a tailored approach."

NACCHO is calling for expanded access to advanced therapies, continuous glucose monitoring, and the latest health technologies, particularly for children and young people.

Chief Executive Pat Turner said the solutions are already within reach — and within communities.

"Now is the time for government and partners to step up, back Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, and help us close the gap for good," she said.

"We've proven community control works, now we need real, long-term commitment and funding to finish the job."

The organisation also emphasised the importance of supporting mothers, children, and families to break the cycle of intergenerational diabetes, with a strong and culturally competent ACCHO workforce seen as key to long-term success.

NACCHO concluded its message with a reminder: the future of Indigenous health depends on listening to, resourcing, and respecting community-led solutions.