Introduction

In Australia approximately 940,000 adults over 25 years (7.5%) have diabetes and about half of these do not know they have it (Ausdiab 2001). In the Illawarra an estimated 13,571 (8.2%) of adults over 25 years have diabetes (Centre for General Practice Integration Studies, UNSW). Furthermore, there is a growing awareness of “pre-diabetes” conditions, namely impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, which affect 16.3% of adults over 25 years (Ausdiab 2001).

General Practice has an important role to play in the prevention and management of diabetes as 80% of the Australian population see a GP per year. The TAADIS program aims to support GPs and patients in their fight against diabetes.

Program Goals

To work collaboratively with other health professionals and organisations to support primary prevention activities in the Illawarra in diabetes.
To increase screening rates of an at-risk population.
To decrease the rate of complications in patients with diabetes.

TAADIS - The Automated Accessible Diabetes Information System

TAADIS aims to improve diabetes management by:

Expanding access to patients' diabetes information to a broad range of health providers and patients themselves
Educating GPs in the best management of diabetes
Encouraging patient adherence to clinical management guidelines
Providing feedback on diabetes management to GPs
Using intelligent information methods to identify patients at risk of diabetes complications
Informing patients about how to manage their diabetes

Has TAADIS made a difference?

A study completed in 2005 compared TAADIS diabetes data collected during 2000-2002 and the NDDP (National Division Diabetes Program) which collected data from 16 Divisions.

Both TAADIS and NDDP groups had some positive changes in clinical indicators within the group but HbA1c was significantly reduced in TAADIS, when compared to the NDDP.

In TAADIS, blood pressure and HbA1c were significantly decreased and HDL significantly increased although there were no statistically significant changes in LDL, T-CHOL, TG or BMI.

(Source: Centre for Equity and Primary Health Research in Illawarra and Shoalhaven, 2005)

Prevention

The GP Exercise Referral Project, conducted in collaboration with the University of Wollongong and the local fitness industry assists GPs to support their patients with diabetes to become more active, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes complications. Patients are referred to an Exercise Physiologist for assessment and design and supervision of a customised exercise program.

The CAST project, completed in 2005 and conducted in partnership with the University of Wollongong and Xyris Software, trialled computer assisted dietary assessment as an adjunct to the General Practice consultation.

Education

TAADIS also provides educational activities for GPs and patients, to promote better diabetes management.

Resources

The 'Illawarra Diabetes Service Directory and Patient Information Booklet’ is available by contacting the Diabetes Project Officer on 4226 7052 or emailing Linda Blackmore

Physical Activity Questions and Answers from pilot project

Diabetes Program Manual – a resource for GPs on the Diabetes Program

Principles of Care and Guidelines for the Clinical Management of Type 2 diabetes (NSW Health)

National Evidence Based Guidelines for the Mangement of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (NHMRC)

Illawarra Diabetes Service, Level 2, 304 Crown St Wollongong 2500 Ph: 4229 4700