A new partnership between Diabetes Australia and the Medibank Better Health Research Hub will support Monash University to develop a primary care model to better detect and prevent type 2 diabetes in women living with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). 

PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition affecting 1 in 8 women in Australia, with impacts on weight, mental health and wellbeing, skin and the reproductive system.  

Despite women living with the condition having a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, they often face challenges in diagnosis and prevention options in primary care settings. 

The project will pilot a new screening and management tool for women living with PMOS that integrates into existing general practice workflows, aiming to streamline identification, referrals to specialists and prevention programs including the Get Healthy Service administered by Diabetes Australia, as well as shared decision-making, into existing approaches to care.  

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the project highlighted a significant gap in women’s health research, with PMOS a well-known risk factor that could help identify and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.  

“Women living with PMOS are four times more likely to develop diabetes over their lifetime. That’s a statistic we’re hoping to change through the development of better screening and prevention tools,” Ms Cain said.  

“PMOS, like diabetes, can be hard to diagnose, and affects hormonal balance for up to one in eight women. 

“Historic and ongoing research gaps in women’s health further complicate this challenge, meaning many women who are diagnosed with PMOS aren’t informed about their elevated diabetes risk, which is a real concern.  

“Diabetes Australia is excited to partner with Medibank and Monash University to deliver research that will drive real change in women’s health outcomes.” 

Dr Shona Sundaraj, Group Medical Director at Medibank said the research is an opportunity to improve health outcomes for women. 

“Too many women living with PMOS are not informed about their elevated risk of type 2 diabetes until much later in their healthcare journey,” Dr Sundaraj said. 

“By better supporting GPs to identify and manage this risk in their patients, we have an opportunity to intervene earlier and improve the long-term health outcomes for our patients.  

“For the women themselves, it’s about giving them the knowledge and tools to empower them in their health and healthcare.” 

Monash University Centre for Health Research and Implementation lead investigator Dr Stephanie Cowan said the award would help advance primary care and screening tools that better cater for women’s health needs.  

“This funding gives us the opportunity to move beyond knowing what good care looks like for women with PMOS and actually build the systems and tools that make it possible in everyday practice,” Dr Cowan said.  

“By embedding guideline-recommended screening and lifestyle support directly into GP workflows, this project will ensure that the millions of Australian women with PMOS who face a four-fold higher risk of type 2 diabetes are identified early and connected to care before that risk becomes reality.” 

The project will start in July 2026 and operate until June 2028.  

A total of $230,000 will be invested, with contributions from Diabetes Australia and the Medibank Better Health Research Hub to support this important research led by Monash University.