The Therapeutic Goods Administration has聽updated聽GLP-1 RA聽product warnings聽because of their聽potential聽to cause a rare but severe eye disorder.聽

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RAs) class of medicines are used to primarily treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Emerging evidence suggests that semaglutide may be associated with a small increase in risk, although the absolute risk remains low.  

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden loss of vision. 

The eye disorder, non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, is a rare condition that may result in permanent visual impairment, including blindness, and no treatment has been shown to improve visual acuity outcomes.

The GLP-1 RA class of medicines currently marketed in Australia are:

• Trulicity – (dulaglutide)
• Ozempic – (semaglutide)
• Wegovy – (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro – (tirzepatide)*
• Saxenda – (liraglutide)

* Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RA.

Please follow this link for further information: <

People living with type 2 diabetes who use Daonil are encouraged to speak with their doctor or diabetes healthcare team following confirmation that the medicine will be discontinued in Australia.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that Daonil (glibenclamide) 5 mg tablets will be from the Australian market from 30 November 2026. The sponsor, Sanofi-Aventis Australia, said that the discontinuation is due to commercial viability considerations.

Daonil is a sulfonylurea medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. While it remains an effective treatment option for some people, prescribing has declined over time with the introduction of newer medicines, including SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Anyone currently taking Daonil should make an appointment with their doctor or diabetes healthcare team well before November 2026 to discuss suitable alternative treatment options based on their individual circumstances.

Other sulfonylurea medicines, including gliclazide, glimepiride and glipizide, remain available in Australia.

芒果直播 has welcomed the Australian Government鈥檚 decision to list Tresiba Penfill (insulin degludec) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people living with type 1 diabetes, effective 1 July 2026. 

Tresiba is an ultra-long acting, once-daily basal insulin indicated for adults, adolescents and children from the age of one year who are living with type 1 diabetes. The PBS listing will improve affordability and access to this important treatment option. 

芒果直播鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the listing is a positive step forward in supporting people with type 1 diabetes to better manage their condition. 

鈥淭his important PBS listing聽will help reduce the cost burden for people living with type 1 diabetes and聽聽 increase the choices available for managing the condition,鈥澛燤s Cain聽said.聽

鈥淭his listing will support healthcare professionals to individualise basal insulin therapy based on a person鈥檚 clinical needs, preferences and lifestyle.鈥� 

“Individualised care is essential for achieving optimal outcomes and improving quality of life for people living with diabetes.鈥� 

芒果直播 emphasised that access to affordable medicines remains a key priority, particularly for people requiring lifelong insulin therapy. 

鈥淢anaging type 1 diabetes is complex and demands constant attention. Ensuring equitable access to a range of effective treatments helps people live well with diabetes,鈥� Ms Cain said. 

Further information on the listing will be available on the PBS website from 1 July 2026 at www.pbs.gov.au. 

A leading diabetes and respiratory researcher is investigating whether a breakthrough cystic fibrosis treatment could change the course of a serious form of diabetes affecting Australians living with cystic fibrosis.

The important research is supported by the 2026 Royal Australian College of Physicians and 芒果直播 Research Establishment Fellowship.

The Fellowship will support Dr Bernadette Prentice鈥檚 project, 鈥淩ESET-CFRD: using REgistry Studies to Evaluate the impact of Trikafta in Australians living with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.鈥�

The research will examine whether Trikafta, a transformational therapy for cystic fibrosis, may also influence the development and long-term impact of Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD), a serious complication affecting around 30 per cent of adults living with cystic fibrosis in Australia.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. CFRD develops because of damage to the pancreas that reduces insulin production, adding another complex chronic condition to individuals already at risk of recurrent infections and reduced life expectancy.

Dr Prentice, a Paediatric Respiratory Physician and Co-Head of Department at Sydney Children鈥檚 Hospital, said the Fellowship would help generate critical evidence for Australians living with CFRD and their families.

鈥淚t is an honour to receive this support, and I am truly appreciative of the RACP鈥檚 and 芒果直播鈥檚 commitment to advancing diabetes research in people living with cystic fibrosis and improving the lives of those affected,鈥� Dr Prentice said.

鈥淔or many families, CFRD adds a significant layer of complexity to an already demanding chronic condition.

鈥淧arents, caregivers, and young people navigate daily challenges involving glucose control and insulin use, nutrition, treatment burden, and uncertainty about the future,鈥� she said.

Through the RESET-CFRD project, researchers will analyse data from the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry to compare outcomes in individuals with and without CFRD and evaluate whether the registry can better monitor long term diabetes complications as individuals living with cystic fibrosis live longer.

鈥淭his research aims to generate clear, real-world evidence about how Trikafta, a transformational therapy for cystic fibrosis, may change the trajectory of diabetes in this population,鈥� Dr Prentice said.

鈥淭his Fellowship brings us significantly closer to achieving this.鈥�

芒果直播 Group CEO Justine Cain said the Fellowship highlighted the importance of investing in research that supports people living with all types of diabetes.

鈥淒r Prentice鈥檚 work has the potential to improve understanding of CFRD nationally and strengthen the way Australia monitors long term diabetes complications in people living with cystic fibrosis,鈥� she said.

鈥淒iabetes research changes lives. It drives scientific discovery, accelerates innovation and helps people with diabetes live longer, healthier and more productive lives,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淐FRD was identified as a priority because it affects around 30 per cent of adults living with cystic fibrosis in Australia and places an enormous burden on individuals and families already managing a complex chronic condition.鈥�

Ms Cain said 芒果直播鈥檚 Research Strategy 2025-2030 places people living with and at risk of diabetes at the centre of research projects to ensure studies deliver meaningful real world impact to those that need it most.

芒果直播 is investing $40 million into Australian diabetes research over ten years to accelerate discoveries and improve outcomes for people living with all types of diabetes.

Around two million Australians are living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, with approximately 300 people diagnosed every day.

The first new therapy for type 1 diabetes in nearly a century, which works to delay the need for insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes, has been approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

Tzield (teplizumab) works to preserve beta cell and insulin production, delaying the autoimmune mechanism that drives type 1 diabetes, and could see thousands of Australians able to delay insulin therapy for an average of two years. 

It鈥檚 the result of nearly forty years鈥� of career-defining research from a dedicated team of researchers, and represents a major development for people aged 8+ and living with stage 2, type 1 diabetes.  

The therapy鈥檚 arrival in Australia represents a game-changing shift in treatment and management made possible through long-term funding support for critical research. 

Preserving beta cells and insulin, alongside understanding the autoimmune system mechanism, has long been a major goal of diabetes research globally. With this new listing, Australians will have access to cutting-edge medicine that will help thousands of Australians delay insulin therapy. 

Australian Diabetes Alliance member Breakthrough T1D have supported the research that led to this therapy since its inception in the late 1980s, funding a dedicated team of researchers for nearly forty years. 

Tzield will now be available for people living with stage 2 type 1 diabetes, however is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).  

More than 145,000 Australians live with type 1 diabetes, with a further 25,000 estimated to be living with early-stage or undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.  

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body鈥檚 own immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.  

We don鈥檛 yet know the cause and currently there is no cure.   

Diabetes and depression/anxiety are common health problems. Many people around the world live with them. Some people only have one, but others live with both. Diabetes can make a person more likely to feel depressed, and depression can make it harder to manage diabetes. This article explains how these two problems are connected and why it is important to treat both.

What is depression?

Depression is an illness that makes you feel very sad or tired for a long time. You may not want to do things you used to enjoy. Other signs include trouble sleeping, eating too much or too little, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can affect both your daily life and your physical health.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is when your brain feels worried or scared鈥攅ven if nothing dangerous is happening. It鈥檚 like your body鈥檚 alarm system going off when you think something bad might happen. It鈥檚 normal to feel anxious sometimes, such as before an important life event. However, if you often feel anxious, even when things are going well, it can make life harder.

How common is it?

People with diabetes can be depressed or anxious more often than people without diabetes. show that if someone has diabetes, they are almost twice as likely to be depressed, regardless of the type of diabetes. That鈥檚 why health professionals check for depression in people living with diabetes.

How diabetes can lead to depression/anxiety

• Daily stress: Taking care of diabetes is hard work. Monitoring glucose, medications, food choices, and appointments can feel overwhelming. People living with type 1 diabetes have the even greater burden of carbohydrate counting, insulin calculations, a greater risk of high and low glucose levels, and frequent glucose monitoring
• Worry about complications: Concerns about future health (like vision or nerve problems) can cause stress and depression
• Feeling alone or judged: Some people say they can feel judged or left out in social situations
• Physical changes: Diabetes can change the balance of hormones in your body and brain, which can add to feelings of depression

Depression can affect diabetes

Depression can make diabetes harder to manage. For example, it may lead to:

• Less physical activity
• Unhealthy eating
• Smoking
• Missing medications or appointments

Depression also affects how your body handles stress, which can raise glucose levels. It can also cause inflammation in the body, which can make diabetes more difficult to manage.

The cycle between diabetes and depression

Diabetes and depression can make each other worse. If you are depressed, you might not take care of your diabetes. If your diabetes gets worse, you may feel more depressed. This can make both problems harder to manage. It can even lead to more hospital visits.

Shared risk factors

Some factors increase the risk of both type 2 diabetes and depression:

• Being above a healthy weight
• Low physical activity
• Poor diet
• Financial stress
• Family history (genes)

How health professionals assess this

Doctors use special to find depression/anxiety in people with diabetes, such as:

• PHQ-9 (depression)
• GAD-7 (anxiety)
• HFS-II W (fear of hypoglycaemia)

They help to identify when you need extra support.

Treatments

Talking therapies

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This helps change negative thoughts and teaches new ways to cope
• Motivational interviewing: This supports healthy behaviour choices

Medicines

• Some people benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Diabetes medications may also need adjusting

Your healthcare team will help balance both safely.

Healthy habits

• Exercise, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep can help both depression and diabetes
• Relaxation and joining support groups can also assist

Working together

The best outcomes happen when care is coordinated between doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and diabetes educators.

Mental health medications and diabetes

Antipsychotic medications and diabetes

Some medicines used to treat mental health conditions can affect how your body handles glucose. They can increase the risk of weight gain and alter glucose levels. Because of these changes, people taking these medicines might have a higher chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Some antipsychotic medications are more likely to cause these changes than others. If you are taking the following medications it is essential to monitor your glucose levels regularly:

aripiprazole	clozapine	olanzapine
quetiapine	risperidone	asenapine
amisulpride	paliperidone	brexpiprazole

Antidepressant medications and diabetes

Some show a small increase in type 2 diabetes risk with antidepressants, but it is not clear why. This may relate to:

• The medication
• Underlying depression
• Lifestyle factors

However, treating your mental health is essential and should not be delayed.

How diabetes medicines affect mood

Recent shows that the type of diabetes medicine taken may be linked to mood changes.

Medicines with a lower risk of depression:

• Metformin
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• GLP-1 analogues
• SGLT2 inhibitors

Medicines with a possible higher risk:

• Higher doses of insulin
• Higher doses of sulfonylureas

Why?

Studies and real-life experience indicate that increases in body weight can reduce mood, while decreases in body weight can improve it. Both insulin and sulfonylureas may contribute to weight gain if a person consumes a high-carbohydrate diet. Metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 analogues, and SGLT2 inhibitors may all help reduce body weight.

Even so, starting insulin treatment shouldn’t be delayed because high glucose levels can cause problems over time. When you begin using insulin, it’s important to watch how much carbohydrate you eat. Talking to a dietitian can help you figure out the right amount.

Insulin is usually started if you find out you have type 1 diabetes or after having type 2 diabetes for a long time. Both situations can be stressful, which increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

Problems with getting help

Sometimes people don鈥檛 get the support they need for depression and anxiety because:

• They feel embarrassed or judged
• Mental health services are hard to access
• Care is not well coordinated
• People don鈥檛 always know the right questions to ask. 芒果直播 can help with those questions

Since diabetes and depression are linked, they should be recognised and treated together early. Mental health is part of diabetes care and working as a team provides the best results. Medications for one condition can have both positive and negative effects on the other condition. Your health team will take this into consideration. Treating the whole person and offering support can prevent long-term effects and improve quality of life.

By Donna Itzstein, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Pharmacist

New research supported by 芒果直播 has confirmed that a person鈥檚 genes can influence how well widely used diabetes medicines such as Mounjaro and Ozempic work.

The discovery could pave the way for more personalised prescribing in the future, with treatments tailored to a person鈥檚 genetic profile to improve outcomes.

The findings come from an international team including researchers at Adelaide University and were published in the international journal .

The research was led by South Australian endocrinologist and clinician researcher Dr Mahesh Umapathysivam (Adelaide University), Dr Alraldi (ETH Zurich), Professor Gloyn (Stanford University) and Prof Stoffel (ETH Zurich), and was supported in Adelaide by funding from the 芒果直播 Research Program in 2024.

Dr Umapathysivam said the team investigated how genetic differences affect responses to medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that help lower blood glucose levels and can also assist with weight loss.

鈥淥ur studies suggest that a person鈥檚 genetic profile may influence how well these medicines slow the emptying of the stomach after eating,鈥� Dr Umapathysivam said.

鈥淭his process is important because slower stomach emptying contributes to the medicines鈥� effect on blood glucose levels.鈥�

The research studied the effect of genetic variants which alter the activity of a protein called PAM. Approximately 10% of the population carry a loss-of-function variant in the PAM gene and have lower PAM activity and higher levels of GLP-1 after meals, but without the expected improvement in the body鈥檚 ability to lower blood glucose after a meal, something known as the 鈥渋ncretin鈥� response.

鈥淎s a result, these individuals showed a reduced response to GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines,鈥� Dr Umapathysivam said.

鈥淥ur findings suggest that people who carry these variants may have a form of GLP-1 resistance, meaning the medicines may not work as effectively for them.鈥�

The team also observed similar patterns in mouse studies, strengthening the evidence that genetic differences can influence how patients respond to this class of medicines.

The discovery could help guide future precision medicine approaches, allowing doctors to better predict who is likely to benefit from these treatments and who may need alternative therapies.

Adelaide鈥檚 Laverne Naicker, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 20 years ago, said she thought it was a shame when Ozempic didn鈥檛 work for her.

鈥淚 was pretty disappointed,鈥� Laverne said. 鈥淚t was a big deal. Ozempic seemed to work like a miracle for other people, so why not me?

鈥淔or every medication there are side effects. For me, I experienced burping, abdominal discomfort like pinching, and terrible headaches.

鈥淭here was no flip side. Ozempic didn鈥檛 help with my diabetes. This research is awesome because it has the potential for people like me not to waste time, hope, and feeling unwell if the medication isn鈥檛 going to work.鈥�

Laverne has since started insulin to help manage her glucose levels.

芒果直播鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain said the results highlighted the importance of sustained investment in diabetes research.

鈥溍⒐辈� is proud to have supported this groundbreaking project,鈥� Ms Cain said.

鈥淩esearch is the key to changing the future of diabetes.

鈥淚nnovative studies like this show how Australian researchers are helping lead the world in understanding diabetes, how to prevent it, and how to improve treatment for people living with the condition.鈥�

芒果直播 Group Executive, Health, Economics & Research, Amber Willink, said Dr Umapathysivam鈥檚 team鈥檚 research supports treatments being used where they will have the greatest benefit.

“Personalised medicine is not a future concept. It鈥檚 emerging now. This research shows how genetic insights can help ensure the right treatment reaches the right person at the right time.”

Researchers from the University of Oxford, University of Dundee, University of Copenhagen, University of British Columbia, Newcastle University, University of Bath and University of Exeter also contributed to the work. 

Established almost 40 years ago, the 芒果直播 Research Program supports outstanding research across prevention, treatment and the search for a cure for all types of diabetes.

The program also helps develop the next generation of diabetes researchers and relies on the generosity of donors to continue supporting world-class research in Australia.

More information about the 芒果直播 Research Program and how to support its work is available at the 芒果直播 website. Find out more about how to support us.

芒果直播 extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Far North Queensland. 

We recognise that natural disasters like cyclones can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time. 

Accessing diabetes supplies 

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don鈥檛 have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card. 

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you鈥檙e unsure if a pharmacy is open, it鈥檚 a good idea to call ahead before visiting. 

Support is available 

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you. 

• NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am 鈥� 5:00 pm (AEST) 
• Email: info@ndss.com.au 

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000). 

芒果直播 will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery. 

芒果直播 extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by the flooding across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

We recognise that natural disasters like floods can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time.

Accessing diabetes supplies

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don鈥檛 have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card.

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you鈥檙e unsure if a pharmacy is open, it鈥檚 a good idea to call ahead before visiting.

Support is available

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you.

NDSS Helpline: 1800 637 700
Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am 鈥� 5:00 pm (AEST)
Email: info@ndss.com.au

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).

芒果直播 will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended Wegovy (semaglutide) be subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity.  

芒果直播鈥檚 Group CEO Justine Cain has welcomed the recommendation and comments from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler indicating the government would work with manufacturer Novo Nordisk to list the medication, making it more affordable for Australians.  

鈥淪upporting individuals who want to lose weight is an important part of type 2 diabetes prevention, and ensuring the affordability of medicines that help people achieve that goal is critical.  

鈥淭here are many factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes including genetics or family history, but in 58% of cases it can be prevented or delayed. Supporting Australians with affordable access to weight loss medicines is one of the tools that can help with this,鈥� Ms Cain said. 

The published聽recommendation聽states聽that the subsidy should be provided聽鈥渇or adults with established cardiovascular disease (eCVD) with obesity. Patients must have already experienced a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, stroke, or have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.鈥澛�

The Diabetes Alliance*, led by 芒果直播, made a joint submission to PBAC鈥檚 November 2025 meeting regarding the importance of access to GLP-1 RA medicines (such as semaglutide) for the treatment of obesity, due to the increased risk of chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  

鈥淚t鈥檚 excellent to see the advice of the sector being positively received,鈥� Ms Cain said. 

鈥淭his separate recommendation about Wegovy is a helpful step in the management of obesity and ongoing efforts to reduce the rates of chronic conditions in Australia.鈥� 

Over 1.3 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes and another 2 million are at risk of developing the chronic condition.  

* The Diabetes Alliance includes 芒果直播, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society, Breakthrough T1D, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.