Lifestyle Modification Programs

In 2008, the Australia Government commenced the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation initiative. This program targets people aged between 40 and 49 years and aims to detect people who are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and enroll them in a Lifestyle Modification Program to assist in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.

Recently, the Division has been successful in obtaining two grants to implement projects to increase the uptake of this initiative; (1) Seed Project and (2) Pilot Project. Outlined below is information regarding both projects;

Seed Project – Promotion amongst GPs/Practices and community    

The Division will be providing training and resources to all practices regarding the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation initiative. More intensive (one-to-one) training for practices who would like to systematically implement these health assessments will also be available. The Division will work with your practice to establish a recall system for eligible patients and implement the assessment process.

In addition, this project will undertake a community promotion campaign to increase awareness of the initiative. This will be in undertaken simultaneously to the national media and marketing campaign.

Pilot Project – Workplace program    

The Pilot Project will involve initiating workplace promotion amongst local organisations in an effort to further reach the 40 – 49 year old population.

The project will involve establishing workplace screening in local organisation and identifying employees at high risk of developing diabetes. Employees identified at high risk will be referred back to their usual GP with a letter explaining the screening process undertaken and information about referral to the Division’s Lifestyle Modification Program. The Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP) is specifically designed to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

The Division will begin consultation with local workplaces shortly, with screening anticipated to start sometime later in the year (2010). For further information on either of these projects, contact Shona Dutton at the Division Ph: 9545 3533 or email sdutton@shiregps.org.au

Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation initiative has 3 different health checks to assess a patient’s eligibility. The 3 health checks are outlined below;

45-49 year old health check 
The 45-49 year old health check assists in the detection and prevention of chronic diseases which can lead to early intervention strategies, promote good health and reduce the burden a chronic diseases.

Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Check
The Australian Type 2 Diabetes risk check is used to address the health needs of patients aged 40-49 years old who are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check
The aim of this health check is to help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults (aged 15-54 years) receive primary health care incorporating their specific needs, by encouraging early detection, diagnosis and intervention of common and treatable conditions.

Resources on LMPs and Preventative Health Checks

The Division has a wide range of resources available to assist in the above health checks, referral to a Lifestyle Modification Program and other useful information, please click here to access these resources.