Australians at risk of developing type 2 diabetes now have a new ally in their corner: a free information and referral service designed to combat the growing epidemic. Diabetes Australia has introduced 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes), a national hotline and website aimed at supporting individuals in navigating health resources, ultimately helping to stem the tide of this chronic condition.
The launch of this initiative comes at a critical time, as current statistics reveal that two million Australians are living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. This condition places a significant financial burden on the national health system, costing an estimated $9.1 billion annually. Without further investment in prevention, projections suggest that up to 3.6 million Australians could be living with diabetes by 2050.
Understanding the Diabetes Challenge
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. While genetics do play a role, lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of the condition in up to 58% of cases. This underscores the importance of accessible information and resources for those at risk.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain emphasized the importance of the new service, stating,
‘One Australian is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every 8 minutes, but unfortunately there is still a worrying lack of awareness about how serious it is and where to find information to support prevention.’
The 1800PREVENT service is designed to address this gap by providing Australians at risk with access to information and free local services in their state or territory.
Expert Opinions and Community Impact
North Queensland General Practitioner Dr. Konrad Kangru highlighted the critical role of preventive health measures, noting that
‘Preventive health is a critical part of general practice. Having a phone line and website that health professionals can provide to their patients is a useful way to support them to navigate the services that are available.’
He added that the service will support ongoing efforts by doctors to help patients avoid the serious complications associated with type 2 diabetes, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Brisbane resident Andrea Stevens, who is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, praised the initiative as a “lifeline” for individuals like her. She remarked,
‘There is a lot of information out there but it isn’t always easy to find and sometimes it’s hard to know if it is good advice or not.’
Stevens urged anyone at risk to take advantage of the service, noting that small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.
Service Details and Future Outlook
Diabetes Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor David Simmons, clarified that while 1800PREVENT is not a clinical service, it is grounded in peer-reviewed, best-practice guidelines.
‘Our call centre staff are well trained and experienced in supporting callers in navigating health information services. All related web-based content and lifestyle modification resources have been developed and peer-reviewed by experienced allied health professionals, including Credentialled Diabetes Educators, ensuring clinical accuracy and soundness,’
he said.
The hotline operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (local time), Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, and can be reached at 1800 773 8368. Additionally, the 1800PREVENT website offers 24/7 access to type 2 diabetes prevention resources and tools.
Diabetes Australia continues to deliver a range of other prevention programs and services, including the NSW Get Healthy Service, Queensland’s My health for life, and The COACH Program in Tasmania. These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to reducing the rates of type 2 diabetes and its impact on individuals and the healthcare system.
As Australia grapples with the growing diabetes epidemic, the launch of 1800PREVENT represents a significant step forward in public health efforts. By providing accessible, reliable information and support, Diabetes Australia aims to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their health and preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.
