GVGPs

LIFE! Taking Action on Diabetes

a prevention program

Programs established in America, Finland and China have provided support to people identified at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In Finland and America 58% of people in programs were able to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Topics Incude

Weight loss

• Did you know that even a 5% weight loss (that is, if you are 100kg, only 5 kg) can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

Healthy eating

• Could I be eating too much?
• What type of food affects my blood glucose and what is the Glycaemic Index (GI)?
• Do I have enough fibre in my diet, what are the benefits?
• How can I reduce my fat intake and improve my cholesterol?
• Could what I drink affect my blood glucose levels and weight?
• How does salt affect by health?
• How does food label reading support my choice of healthy food products?

Physical Activity

• Working towards a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, 5 days per week
• Enjoying the sense of wellbeing that comes with physical activity

More about the program

• Small group learning of 8-15 participants
• The first 5 sessions run fortnightly over a 10 week period
• The final 6th session takes place 8 months after session 1 to provide you with the opportunity to put the strategies you learnt into place and to share your progress
• You need to attend every session, as information from one builds onto the next
• Group members are encouraged to reach thier weight loss goal through good food choices and moderate physical activity,
• You are supported to make small, achievable changes through learning about food, cooking, label reading, and the importance of physical activity

Does the LIFE! program really work?

YES it does!

People who had participated in several of the programs in Finland were reviewed three years after they had finished the program. None of the participants who reached four or five of the program goals developed diabetes. A further review of participants showed that the positive effect of the program lasted several years.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE LIFE! PROGRAM?

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) is a non-invasive, simple test which accurately identifies an individualsrisk for type 2 diabetes within the next 5 years.

To be eligible for the LIFE! Program, you will need to score 12 or more on the AUSDRISKtool and be over the age of 40 years (or over 18 years if an Aboriginal or Torress Strait Islander),

OR

If you have a history of a high risk condition: specifically Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Ischemic Heart Disease (myocardial infarction, angina, angioplasty) and are over the age of 18 years regardless of your AUSDRISK score

NOTE: exclusion criteria

• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Ischemic heart disease (diagnosis within the previous 3 months)

Click here for the AUSDRISK Assessment Tool

If you score 12 points or more on the AUSDRISK you may have undiagnosed diabetes or be at high risk of developing diabetes. See your doctor about having a blood test to exclude type 2 diabetes. You can download a referral form for your doctor to complete.

Where can I find a program?

Click below to find the next available program

Life! Class Schedule

For further information speak to your doctor or contact the LIFE! Diabetes Prevention Team (Faye, Jane or Dale) at the Goulburn Valley Division of General Practice on 03 5831 5399

Further information can be found on the Diabetes Australia Victoria website.

LIFE! - Taking Action on Diabetes has the potential to prevent up to 12,000 people developing type 2 diabetes in Australia (over four years). A LIFE! facilitator will discuss with you personal strategies to achieve your goals of weight loss, healthy eating and increased physcial activity throughout the program. Tools and information provided during the program will support you to minimise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.