The ADS is a specialty society of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), which is responsible for the training of diabetes specialists (endocrinologists), and ensuring that specialists maintain and improve their skills and knowledge. Through our Annual Scientific Meeting, and activities such as the development of a diabetes curriculum, the ADS provides ongoing education and training. The ADS also delivers training to general practitioners through workshops and lectures that are a part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD points).

 

ADS plays an important part in supporting research in diabetes in Australia. It represents researchers in basic science, clinical medicine, epidemiology, and public health. The Annual Scientific Meeting now known as the Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC, provides researchers with a forum to present and share their discoveries and to establish collaborative research. It also provides an opportunity for Endocrinologists to learn about and become involved in research happening in Australia. The ADS also reviews, administers and funds a number of research awards/grants/fellowships.

 

The National Association of Diabetes Centres (NADC) was established in 1994 as a national collective of Diabetes Centres that seek to improve the standard of care available to people with diabetes. These Diabetes Centres strive to be Centres of Excellence in diabetes care. Our standards are underpinned by the principles of chronic disease management, including a multidisciplinary approach with an effective system of service delivery, integration and coordination of care between different services and service providers (including general practice), support for self-management, evidence-based decision support and clinical information systems, with the focus being on proactive maintenance of good health and complications prevention. NADC Diabetes Centres aim to bridge the gap between the acute care hospital system, and the long-term chronic care of primary care and community services. The NADC is an organisation jointly established by the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA). Since March 2015, NADC has been a division of the Australian Diabetes Society Limited. 

 

Diabetes Feet Australia (DFA) has been established to help reduce the incidence and impact of foot disease on the lives of Australians living with Diabetes. DFA has engaged with multiple partner organisations across Australia to create a national body for people suffering diabetic foot disease. A multidisciplinary approach to the Diabetic Foot patient is critical to delivery of a gold standard of treatment. DFA advocates a coordinated approach by Health Professionals, Researchers, Government & Industry as critical to achieving its vision of ending avoidable amputations in a generation. As of July 2018, DFA is a division of the Australian Diabetes Society Limited. 

 

The ADS is a founding member of Diabetes Australia Ltd. We support the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) by promoting its use to people with diabetes and together with the ADEA, are responsible for reviewing new NDSS products to ensure that they meet high scientific standards. ADS develops resource material and participates in the design of programs or care for people with diabetes. Our experts provide advice to other organisations in the development of such material. As of August 2021, the Australian Diabetes Society Limited is an affiliated organisation of Diabetes Australia Limited.

 

The ADS provides expertise and support for the development of Commonwealth policy in diabetes and chronic disease and are often invited to be involved in, or often chair, committees in this area.

 

Overall, the fundamental objective of the ADS remains to improve the life and well-being of people with diabetes.