Diabetes Queensland (on Behalf of Diabetes Australia) and Australian company “Hitnet†have developed an interactive diabetes self-management module for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The Diabetes Story†is a six part interactive video that has been distributed nationally across the digital network of 60 Hitnet touchscreen kiosks. Consumers will be able to access the information when they want it, and as often as they need it, independent of health workers.

The future of diabetes care could lie in self-management systems and the need to continue to find ways to help partners and providers deal successfully with the complexities of the disease by improving the system of care, expanding the reach of interventions, and empowering patients to engage in self-care behaviour.

Helen Travers, Hitnet Director said “we are committed to working with the community and health services to turn numbers around. Education and motivation are key to increasing peoples’ self-management of their diabetes, and Hitnet’s community-based approach to the co-creation of health knowledge is where this startsâ€.

The increasing incidence of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, continues to be a health issue of significant concern for Australia.

Diabetes Queensland CEO, Michelle Trute says rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing dramatically. “To help warn Queenslanders at risk, we need the active support of family, friends and local communities,†she says. “Hitnet will engage this key network of support among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Type 2 is a progressive condition with serious complications ranging from loss of sight to kidney and heart disease and limb amputation. Hitnet provides a graduated response, beginning with basic diabetes facts and covering life with diabetes, fighting diabetes and dealing with diabetes in pregnancy.

“It includes the personal stories of people living with diabetes and options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may need further advice or support.â€

The rate within Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations is among the highest in the world, with the reported prevalence of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-54 years up to eight times higher than non-Indigenous people.

‘The Diabetes Story’ Hitnet module was funded through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), an Australian government initiative administered by Diabetes Australia. Please contact Tim Heywood from Diabetes Queensland at [email protected] for more information.