Australians at risk of type 2 diabetes now have access to a free information and referral service helping to stem the tide of the nation’s type 2 diabetes epidemic.

Diabetes Australia has launched 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes), a free national hotline and website that will support individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes to navigate health resources.

Two million Australians are living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes which costs our health system $9.1 billion dollars every year. Without further investment in type 2 diabetes prevention up to 3.6 million Australians could be living with diabetes by 2050.  

Although genetics play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes may help to prevent or delay the onset of the condition in up to 58% of cases.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) will help people know where they can find local support.

‘One Australian is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every 8 minutes, but unfortunately there is still a worrying lack of awareness about how serious it is and where to find information to support prevention,’ Ms Cain said.  

‘1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) is designed to cut through the noise and give every Australian at risk of type 2 diabetes access to information and free local services in their state or territory.  

‘This free information and referral service is part of Diabetes Australia’s commitment to reduce rates of type 2 diabetes and its impact on individuals and the health system,’ she said.

Callers to 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) will speak with a Diabetes Australia staff member who will support them in navigating health information services. Staff will be encouraging callers to speak to their GP for further advice, and where appropriate, callers will also be given information about existing government-funded programs delivered by respected health organisations.

North Queensland General Practitioner Dr Konrad Kangru said initiatives that help to prevent type 2 diabetes are vitally important.

‘Preventive health is a critical part of general practice. Having a phone line and website that health professionals can provide to their patients is a useful way to support them to navigate the services that are available,’ Dr Kangru said.

‘Doctors work hard to help people take steps to avoid type 2 diabetes where possible because it comes with serious and costly complications like an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

‘1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) will support that work,’ he said.

Brisbane woman Andrea Stevens said 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) will be a lifeline for people like her who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

‘There is a lot of information out there but it isn’t always easy to find and sometimes it’s hard to know if it is good advice or not,’ Ms Stevens said.

‘Having a number that you can just call up and speak to someone at Diabetes Australia is a real gamechanger.

‘I urge anyone who may be at risk of type 2 diabetes, or if they know someone who might be, to call 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes).

‘Just a few small changes to your lifestyle and diet can make a huge difference, that certainly was the case for me,’ she said.

Diabetes Australia Chief Medical Officer, Professor David Simmons said 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) is not a clinical service and does not provide clinical advice.

‘The service is firmly grounded in peer-reviewed, best-practice. Our call centre staff are well trained and experienced in supporting callers in navigating health information services. All related web-based content and lifestyle modification resources have been developed and peer-reviewed by experienced allied health professionals, including Credentialled Diabetes Educators, ensuring clinical accuracy and soundness,’ Professor Simmons said.

1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) operates between 8.30am and 5.00pm (local time), Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) on 1800 773 8368. The 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) website provides 24/7 access to type 2 diabetes prevention resources and tools.

Diabetes Australia delivers a range of other prevention programs and services such as the NSW Get Healthy Service, Queensland’s My health for life and The COACH Program in Tasmania.

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