Details of the Prevent Diabetes – Live Life Well program.

Who?

The Prevent Diabetes - Live Life Well Program is being run by the Southern Highlands Division of General Practice in collaboration with Sydney South West Area Health Service, Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise, based at the University of Sydney, and Diabetes Australia - NSW.  It is funded by the NSW Department of Health.

What?

The Prevent Diabetes - Live Life Well Program (the Program) is an effective evidence-based program. GPs will identify at-risk people who are eligible for the Program. Two thousand five hundred people at-risk of type 2 diabetes will be enrolled in the Program.  Once referred people are offered a 90-minute individual assessment and counselling session and three 2-hour group sessions.  Successful completion of these activities will empower people with the knowledge and skills to lead a healthier lifestyle.  The aim is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, be physically active and follow a balanced healthy eating plan.  Follow up phone calls and regular check ups with your GP are also part of the Program.  The Program will last for one year and is free for eligible participants.

The main goals of the Program are to

•  Increase physical activity to at least 30 minutes per day of purposeful activity
• Reduce fat intake to 30% of total energy intake
• Reduce saturated fat to 10% of total fat
• Increase fibre consumption to 15g per 100kcal (30g per day)
• Reduce weight by 5%

Successful achievement of these goals will prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.  The Program will be evaluated to determine its success and a possible state wide roll out.

Why?

Type 2 diabetes is serious. New South Wales is in the middle of an epidemic of type 2 diabetes.  Nearly 500 people develop type 2 diabetes every week.  Of those, half are not diagnosed.

Diabetes affects about 1.5 million Australians and currently there is no cure. Diabetes can cause serious complications.  People with diabetes are:

• Four times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack
• Fifteen more times likely to have an amputation
• Three more times likely to have kidney damage

Eye damage affects one in six people with diabetes and is the most common form of blindness in adults 30-60 years.

The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Recent studies show that type 2 diabetes can be prevented by nearly 60% through simple long-term lifestyle changesthat include healthy eating, physical activity and modest weight loss. 

When?

The Program is running from 1 June 2008 until 30 June 2010.

Contact details

The program is being implemented by Jill Snow and Lifestye Officers Cheryl Jones, Lucy Davies, and Lyra L'Estrange from the Division. Please contact Colleen Johnston for more details.

For general information about the program phone 1300 796 341 or contact the Division on 4861 6084 or check out the Live Life Well website

Useful documents for the Prevent Diabetes -Live Life Well Program

Information for patients
Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)
Referral form - for diabetes, pre diabetes and diabetes prevention
List of Nutrition and Exercise Providers in Wingecarribee and Wollondilly
Healthy lifestyle information and coaching available