Diabetes Risk Factor Reduction Project

The Diabetes Risk Factor Reduction Project was funded as part of Tasmania’s component of the Australian Better Health Initiative, a joint Australian, State and Territory Governments initiative aimed at preventing and better integrating care for chronic diseases. The University Department of Rural Health was contracted by Diabetes TASMANIA to conduct a study to inform the development of prevention and self-management services for people with prediabetes, or with significant risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. The project focused only on lifestyle initiatives and did not consider implementation of pharmacological initiatives. The project reviewed the literature on diabetes risk factor reduction trials and interventions, reviewed current services, and consulted with key stakeholders and consumers. Findings were: Risk factors are highly prevalent in Tasmania Services targeted to people with risk factors for type 2 diabetes are limited. Recommendations were made to the client.