In a world first, Diabetes Australia Research Program (DARP) funding has supported research into diabetes self-management using a Pasifika Indigenous approach. The program has shown the importance of culturally specific programs delivered by the community.

This study, led by Dr Heena Akbar, implemented a 24-week intervention for 50 Māori and Pasifika women with type 2 diabetes to study their self-management.

The recent launch of digital stories from the Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) highlighted these courageous women sharing their diabetes journey and their culture in a real and engaging way.

The launch marks over a decade of community development and Pasifika-led community research highlighting the importance of addressing public health issues such as diabetes, which disproportionately affects Māori and Pasifika communities.

The result is a culturally inclusive and responsive program co-designed and developed by Māori and Pasifika women with lived experience of the condition.

“This research has meant a lot to us as a community. It has been a great journey with a brilliant outcome, which I believe will be impactful for our community,” Dr Akbar said.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain congratulated Dr Akbar and her team.

“Diabetes research changes lives and that was evident in the recent launch of these digital stories,” Ms Cain said.

“Diabetes Australia is proud to have provided funding to support Dr Akbar to undertake this research which is unique to Māori and Pasifika communities in Queensland.”