Diabetes resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost four times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to have diabetes or pre-diabetes. If you’re living with diabetes, there’s a lot you can do to manage it. Here you’ll find diabetes resources, information and videos for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help reduce the impact of diabetes, navigate the health system, and understand what you can do to stay well. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, and you’re worried about your diabetes, help is available. Get in touch with your Aboriginal Health Worker, Health Clinic or doctor. Or feel free to contact us. Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, health workers and health professionals Back on track We’ve all had a tough time lately. But now it’s time to get back on track with our diabetes. Back on Track is a resource developed by Diabetes Australia and the National Diabetes Services Scheme to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people keep up with their diabetes care post-pandemic. Research shows that many people stopped their routine diabetes management plans because of social distancing, fear of catching COVID-19 and a shift in priorities. Back on Track provides information and support for at-risk communities. National Diabetes Services Scheme The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an Australian Government initiative administered by Diabetes Australia. It’s there to help you understand and self-manage your life with diabetes, and to access services, support and subsidised diabetes products. Watch this short video for a quick guide to the benefits of the NDSS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCfgyPi27P0 SOURCE: The information in this video is from the ‘Keep Culture Life & Family Strong; Know Early About Diabetes’ flipcharts for Indigenous Australians, developed by Healthy Living NT with funding provided by the Department of Health and Ageing through Diabetes Australia. It is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice or used to alter medical therapy. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs. Posters and brochures These posters and brochures explain what the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is and does. They’re particularly helpful for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes who have not yet registered for the NDSS. You can display these posters and brochures in health service waiting rooms and community spaces. Download these resources by visiting the NDSS website. Pictorial booklets These easy-to-follow booklets give you advice on how to manage your diabetes. They include: Managing my diabetes Exercise and diabetes Healthy eating My feet and diabetes, and Diabetes in pregnancy. The guides were developed by Diabetes Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled health organisation (VACCHO). We would like to thank the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who appear in these booklets and acknowledge Sharon Thorpe and Jennifer Brown for their help in the production of these booklets. Call us on 1800 637 700 if you would like copies of these booklets. Peer support The NDSS Peer Support website provides a space where adults who live with diabetes can connect with peers, learn from others’ lived experiences and share their own diabetes journey. Peer support can take many forms, including online and in person. Whether you’re looking to join a Facebook group or meet with peers in your local area, there are many options to suit you, your lifestyle and diabetes goals. Peer support has been shown to positively impact feelings of social and emotional health and help make decisions about how to best manage diabetes. Diabetes factsheets What is diabetes? Reduce your risk – it’s up to you Your eyes and diabetes Your feet and diabetes Food for thought Alcohol and diabetes Smoking and diabetes 10 ways to manage your diabetes Diabetes and your kidneys Gestational diabetes What is hypoglycaemia Physical activity and diabetes Diabetes and travel Safe disposal of diabetes sharps Videos Hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their experience with diabetes, and what’s helping them to live well. Martina’s story Norm’s story For more videos visit our YouTube Channel.
