NSW Government targets diabetes

October 8, 2009

The NSW Government has launched a campaign to recruit an additional 1,000 people from Central Sydney, Macarthur and the Southern Highlands to the successful Prevent Diabetes Live Life Well Pilot Program.

Premier Nathan Rees said that 275 people a day develop type 2 diabetes across Australia and half are not aware they have the condition.

“Currently 7.9% of men and 6.8% of women in NSW report having diabetes or high blood glucose - a marked increase from 1997 when 4.7% of men and 4.0% of women said the same,” Mr Rees said.

“Late last year the Government launched the $5 million Prevent Diabetes Live Life Well Program, with the simple but effective motto ‘eat better, move more’.

“The aim is to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes amongst participants aged 50 to 65 years and early results show that the program is working.

“Under the program, potential participants are identified by their GP as being at high risk of type 2 diabetes – they then work over a 12-month period with teams of nurses, dieticians and exercise physiologists to improve their lifestyle.

“Each and every year we are spending more and more public funds on preventable diseases and conditions.

“We know that if we provide people with early intervention programs and education on healthier lifestyles we are improving their life and easing the burden on the health system.”

Participants focus on achieving five key goals:

• Eat healthier;
• Reduce daily fat intake;
• Set personal fitness goals;
• Reduce weight by five per cent; and
• Overcome their personal barriers to change.

Mr Rees said that almost half the 2,750 people screened so far as part of the program have been found to be at high risk of developing diabetes.

“We are seeing some very positive results from the first 349 people who are three months into the Program,” Mr Rees said.

“They have lost an average of two kilograms and two centimetres from around their waist.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Carmel Tebbutt said the program was run by 150 specifically trained general practitioners.

“I understand that if participants achieve a majority of the program’s five goals, they can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“Anybody who is aged 50 to 65 and lives in Central Sydney, Macarthur or the Southern Highlands, and wants to participate should call 1300 796 341.”

The Prevent Diabetes Live Life Well Program is being run in partnership with the NSW Government, the Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise based at the University of Sydney, and Diabetes Australia, NSW.