The Life! program and type 2 diabetes FAQ
What is the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes Program
Life! is a new evidence based type 2 diabetes prevention program. It includes a lifestyle behaviour change course of six 90 minute group sessions, over an eight month period or a telephone health coaching service.
How do I exclude diabetes?
Exclude pre-existing diabetes with a fasting blood glucose test, and an oral glucose tolerance test if required, as per the Diabetes Management in General Practice Guidelines.
Can I refer a patient who has diabetes to the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course or telephone health coaching?
No. The Life! course is only for those who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but do not currently have diabetes.
Does the patient need to be diagnosed with pre-diabetes in order to qualify as eligible for the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course or telephone health coaching?
No. The patient needs to have diabetes excluded. In addition, the patient needs to have:
- history of a high risk conditions, specifically a pre-existing condition of either CVD/GDM (regardless of age or AUDRISK score)
- AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 50
- AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 18 if an Aboriginal of Torres Strait Islander
- AUSDRISK score of 12 or more as identified through a WorkHealth check and be aged 18 - 39 years.
Can I refer a patient with pre-diabetes to the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course or telephone health coaching, without having them complete the diabetes risk test?
No. A patient with a history of a high risk condition can be referred without completing a diabetes risk test. If no history exists, the patient's AUSDRISK test score is required for a patient to be referred to a Life! course.
What is a First Visit?
A First Visit is a funded session between a trained health professional and a potential participant. The session aims to increase referrals into the appropriate Life! program. Download the frequently asked questions for more details [PDF 140 KB]
How do I get more information about Life! Taking Action on Diabetes programs?
You can contact us by:
- email on life@diabetesvic.org.au
- phone Diabetes Australia – Vic on (03) 8648 1880
- 13 RISK (13 7475).
Resources can be ordered by downloading the order form and faxing to (03) 9667 1757 once completed.