The Diabetes Unit is a self-funded entity dedicated to policy development and implementation; strategic planning for population health; and health services research and development concerning chronic diseases using diabetes as the prototype.

Established at the Australian Health Policy Institute (now Menzies Centre for Health Policy) in June 2005, The Diabetes Unit is an iteration of its predecessor, the Australian Centre for Diabetes Strategies, which was located at the Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales.

The Diabetes Unit complements the Menzies Centre’s existing strengths and supports its strategic direction to:

• Establish and maintain an Oxford Health Alliance presence in the Asia-Pacific Region, providing a focus for activity and ensuring a concentrated effort on identified priorities
• Seek opportunities for cross disciplinary research, policy debate and consultation to tackle the challenges of sustainability and health with innovative, multi-dimensional solutions
• Pursue activities in health services research and development, and population health improvement
• Continue to make a significant contribution to the evidential and consensual base which policy for the prevention and care of diabetes and related chronic diseases can be founded

The Diabetes Unit is a conduit between theory and practice, and works as a bridge between (in conjunction with) academia, the broader chronic disease community and the general population. It employs a pragmatic approach and is cognisant of the diverse needs, perspectives and forces prevailing across all levels of society.

Core program areas of The Diabetes Unit are:

• Evidence
• Policy
• Advocacy & Action
• Sustainability

The Director of the Diabetes Unit is Associate Professor Ruth Colagiuri.

For more detailed information please visit The Diabetes Unit.