Lifestyle Modification Programs (LMP) - Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is now one of the largest contributors to the disease burden in Australia, and type 2 diabetes accounts for 92 per cent of diabetes cases in Australia.  Diabetes is associated with a number of complications, including an increased risk of developing cardiovascular, eye and kidney disease. 

However, Type 2 Diabetes is also largely preventable by controlling associated lifestyle risk factors such as overwieght and obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet. A subsidy is now available for people aged 40-49 who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes to attend a lifestyle modification program.  Patients can be identified as low, moderate or at high risk by using the AUSDRISK tool. Scores of 15 or above are deemed to be at high risk and for those aged 40-49 and at high risk, they can receieve a government subsidy to attend an Lifestyle Modification Program. Patients who are aged <40 or > 50 may choose to pay a fee to attend a lifestyle modification program.

Evidence for Lifestyle Modification Programs

Evidence from a range of different studies conducted in Australia, the United States, China, Japan, Finland and Germany indicates that regular moderate to vigorous exercise, in combination with dietary changes, can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

More recently, landmark intervention studies in China (The China Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study) the US (The Diabetes Prevention Program) and Finland (The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Program), have shown that sustainable lifestyle interventions in people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, led to significant reductions in the incidence of diabetes, by up to 58%.

reset your life - A nationally accredited Lifestyle Modification Program

The reset your life program has been developed by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in conjunction with the Australia General Practice Network. This program is nationally accredited as the first LMP program and is being delivered across Australia. 

The IDGP is running this program from Wollongong and Kiama. The program comprises of 7 sessions which are held over 6 months and is presented by a Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist. The aim of the program is to help people to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Participants will learn about:

•  type 2 diabetes and its complications
•  pre-diabetes, including the risk factors, how it is diagnosed and treated and how to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
•  healthy eating
•  physical activity
•  how to make healthy lifestyle choices
•  stress management
•  setting goals to improve your health

For more information on the reset your life program, session dates and times, and referral information please contact the IDGP clinical services team.  

Lifestyle Modification Program Directory - There is currently only the above named LMP service available in the Illawarra.

For Providers - Deliver a lifestyle modification program

For Practices