The recipients of the 2025 Australian General Practice Research Foundation/Diabetes Australia Research Grant have been announced today, with the funding aimed at advancing research into the social determinants of diabetes.

Dr Hannah Woodall, Associate Professor Janani Pinidiyapathirage, Dr Robert Heffernan, Sherrilyn Walters, and Dr Gaya Balakrishnan, have been awarded the Diabetes in General Practice Research Grant for their project, Supporting GPs to address the social determinants of diabetes.

The research team will explore how general practice can better support people living with diabetes by addressing the social and economic challenges that affect their health. Researchers will engage with GPs, practice staff, and patients to understand the barriers to recognising and responding to social determinants of health (SDOH) in routine care.

The research is expected to provide a better understanding of how SDOH and social prescribing can be integrated into Australian primary care and a model for how this can be achieved.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said GPs play a central role in prevention, diagnosis and management of diabetes and this research project will help equip GPs to deliver better care and support for their patients.

“We’re proud to partner with the philanthropic arm of the RACGP to invest in this important research,” Ms Cain said.

“Social determinants of health including income, education, access to healthcare and nutritious food can impact type 2 diabetes prevalence and management.  Initiatives which connect people with non-medical community services and groups to improve their health and wellbeing can play an important role in improving outcomes.

“Diabetes Australia supports research as a cornerstone for improving the lives of people living with, or at risk of, diabetes.  For many years, our investment in research has helped unlock new treatments, improved care, and informed policy.

“We have committed to invest $40 million in diabetes research over the next decade. Our recently launched Diabetes Australia Research Strategy 2025-2030 sets out a clear vision to accelerate research and innovation that improves the lives of people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said. 

RACGP’s Research & Foundation Manager, Dr. Taryn Elliott, said “we are grateful that our long-standing partnership with Diabetes Australia continues to support vital general practice research.”

“We’re especially pleased that this support will enable research into the social determinants of diabetes – an important step towards improving care and outcomes for patients in primary care,” Dr Elliott said.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au