Diabetes Prevention
Assessment
- Identify patients aged 40 and over who are at high risk of developing diabetes.
- Use the Australian Diabetes Risk Assessment tool (AUSDRISK) to determine their risk factor. If they score 15 or over, they are eligible to attend a diabetes prevention program (Life!) program. Hard copies are also available from BDDGP.
- Use MBS item 713 for patients aged 40-44 who score 15 or over. To claim this item, you must exclude the presence of diabetes.
- Use MBS item 717 for patients aged 45-49 who score 15 or over.
- Use MBS item 710 for patients aged 15-64 who score 15 or over.
- Use a general consult item for patients aged 50+ who score 15 or over. An FBT will usually be sufficient for referral to a LIFE program, but if the results are doubtful, you might want to do an OGTT
The same Diabetes Prevention Program (Life!) aka Lifestyle Modification Program will be run with all patients together, regardless of age or pathway of referral.
Referring a patient
- A GP referral is required for people to attend a Diabetes Prevention Program, but you must ensure you have written patient consent on the form.
- Use this 4 page referral form Life! referral templates for all age groups.
- We encourage GPs to send all referrals via BDDGP, which has been set up as a referral gateway for diabetes prevention. Referrals may be faxed to BDDGP on 5331 5754 or via Argus.
- Division staff will endeavour to contact each patient personally, providing the opportunity for further discussion about the Life program and discuss which provider they would like to attend
- The patient will then be referred to nominated provider and the GP notified or outcomes
- Diabetes Prevention programs are subsidised for patients of all ages who are eligible to attend. See outline of a program (note JULIAN I have to change this)
Diabetes Prevention Programs
As of February 2010 the facilitators of these programs are:
| Facilitator | Location | Program (5 sessions, once every 2 weeks, 6th review session later) |
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From Wednesday 4th Februay, 5:30 – 7:00pm |
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From Wednesday 10th February, 1:30 – 3:00pm |
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From Tuesday 3rd February, 1:30 – 3:00pm |
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Further programs will be held by all providers throughout the year.
Resources
- Life! Resource Order Form
- Resources are available from BDDGP these include practice posters, consumer brochures and Lifescripts Kits - order form here
- Diabetes poster for waiting room
- For people aged 40-49, the Commonwealth brochure for patients on subsidised LMPs provides further information. Hard copies are available from BDDGP.
More information
Would you like a practice visit or further information? Please call us on 5331 6303 and ask for Heather Campbell, Tanya Gradolf or Michelle MacGillivray.
- Diabetes Australia Victoria - http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/life
- Diabetes Australia - http://www.diabeteslife.org.au
Background
Type 2 diabetes prevention is now a major health initiative by both Commonwealth and State governments. All ATSI patients aged 15+ and all patients aged 40+ assessed to be at high risk of developing diabetes, but in whom the presence of diabetes has been excluded are eligible to attend a lifestyle modification program.
A Diabetes Prevention (Lifestyle Modification) Program is a group program where participants learn about Type 2 diabetes and its complications and the lifestyle changes that can delay and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
International evidence has shown that intensive lifestyle interventions in high risk patients can reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.
Programs provide at least 8 hours contact time with an accredited facilitator and there are usually around 6 group sessions of 90 minutes duration.
Because there are two different funding sources from the State and Commonwealth Governments for diabetes prevention programs, there are different processes to follow to refer patients, see same idea, different processes.
