Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Why is Type 2 Diabetes a concern?

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 heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and in some cases amputation.

To reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes it is important that you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Evidence from a range of different studies conducted around the world have indicated that regular exercise in combination with dietary changes, can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

What is your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

To determine this complete the AUSDRISK questionnaire (print out or online)

If you score 12 or more on the questionnaire, you may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or be at high risk of developing the disease. Visit your GP to be tested for diabetes and discuss how you can help reduce your risk. 

What does my AUSDRISK score mean?

The AUSDRISK tool determines your risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years:

5 or Less = Low Risk

Approximately one person in every 100 will develop diabetes.

6-11 = Intermediate Risk

For scores 6-8, approximately one person in every 50 will develop diabetes. For scores of 9-11, approximately one person in every 20 will develop diabetes. You may be at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and it is recommended that you discuss this with your doctor.

12 or More = High Risk

 For scores 12-19, approximately one person in every seven will develop diabetes. For scores of 20 and above, approximately one in every three will develop diabetes. You may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or be at high risk of developing the disease. Discuss this with your doctor and have your blood glucose levels tested. Improving your lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Where can you find information and advice to reduce your risk and improve your health?

If you are concerned about your AUSDRISK score, visit your GP to discuss what you can do to help reduce your risk.

We wish to advise that funding for the Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP) has now been discontinued by the Commonwealth nationally. As a result IDGP can no longer accept referrals to our Program “Reset your Life”  however, Group Programs currently underway will be completed. For alternative lifestyle support programs, please view the links below.

Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service 

There is a free, confidential telephone-based service available to help people make lifestyle changes regarding:

• Healthy eating
• Being physically active
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight

You will have your own personal health coach who will assist you with;

• Developing personal health goals
• Creating action plans
• Maintaining motivation
• Identifying problem areas
• Creating solutions for successful lifestyle change 

If you are interested in finding out more about this service call 1300 806 258 or visit www.gethealthynsw.com.au.

The following websites also contain information about healthy lifestyles and type 2 diabetes

www.swapit.gov.au

www.heartfoundation.org.au

www.australiandiabetescouncil.com.au

Click here to access our Diabetes Information Booklet and Service Directory.

Information for Workplaces

Information for Allied Health Professionals