In support of National Diabetes Week 2025 (13–19 July), Priceline Morayfield is joining over 300 locations nationwide in offering free health checks to help tackle Australia’s growing type 2 diabetes epidemic.
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The self-service checks, conducted via digital health stations inside participating Priceline stores, are quick, easy, and completely free. In just five minutes, individuals can assess their risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and other metabolic health concerns — with instant results provided on the spot.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign led by Diabetes Australia to improve early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes, which now affects 1.3 million Australians. Alarmingly, another half a million people are thought to be living with the condition without knowing it, while two million more are at high risk.
Health advocates say simple health checks like these could be lifesaving. Early intervention not only allows people to manage or delay the onset of diabetes but also helps avoid serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and vision loss. While genetics and family history play a role, up to 58 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
Priceline Pharmacy’s National Pharmacy Support Manager Mel Gannon said pharmacies remain one of the most accessible healthcare entry points in the country. “It all starts with knowing your numbers,” she said, referring to the blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose readings provided by the health stations.
One example of how early diagnosis can change lives is Sydney resident Lee Chinprahust. At just 29, Lee was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes following a routine GP visit after feeling unusually fatigued. The diagnosis led to immediate lifestyle changes, and today, at 34, he keeps his condition under control with medication, diet, and regular exercise. He is now a strong voice for prevention.
The push for early diagnosis comes amid new research revealing the true cost of diabetes in Australia. Diabetes Australia’s latest economic modelling estimates all forms of diabetes now cost the health system around $9.1 billion annually — nearly three times more than previous estimates. Every eight minutes, another Australian is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and projections suggest that figure could soar to 3.2 million by 2050 if action isn’t taken.
Diabetes Australia is calling for greater national focus on diabetes, including better food labelling, school-based prevention programs, and more funding for community-level awareness campaigns. While initiatives like the free health checks are an important step, experts say a coordinated, long-term strategy is needed to stop the epidemic from spiralling further.
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Residents of Morayfield and surrounding areas are encouraged to drop by Priceline Pharmacy Morayfield this week to take advantage of the free health check and learn more about their risk factors.
To find a participating location or learn more about the program, visit https://portal.sisuhealthgroup.com/find-health-stations.
Featured image credit: Diabetes Australia/Facebook
Published 16-July-2025
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