Frequently asked questions

What is Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?

Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching is a type 2 diabetes prevention program conducted via the phone, rather than face to face.  The phone coaching is run by health professionals including dieticians, physiotherapists, health psychologists, nurses and exercise professionals. These health professionals are also trained specifically in health coaching for diabetes prevention.

The phone coach learns about your lifestyle, assesses your situation and concerns, so together you develop specific goals and plans for physical activity and healthy eating. Each plan is individualised and will be easy to start and maintain. The phone coaching is a free and confidential service. There are up to six calls with a trained coach for support and help to achieve healthy goals, understand the role different foods play, find the balance between food intake and energy spent; and stay motivated.

If I have diabetes can I do Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?

Unfortunately you are not eligible to participate in the phone coaching service if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes.

Do I need to be diagnosed with pre-diabetes in order to take part in Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?

No – eligibility criteria for Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching includes but is not limited to:

• Do not have diabetes
• Live in Victoria
• Obtain a referral from a registered General Practitioner (doctor)

        and

• Have a history of a high risk condition, such as heart disease or diabetes during pregnancy

        or

• Be recognised of being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after completing a Diabetes Risk Test
• Be of 50+ years of age (or 18+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians)

Is there a fee for Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?

The telephone health coaching service is free for most people, including:

• people on low to medium incomes
• Aboriginal Victorians.

For all others, a $50 co-payment is required.

What qualifications do Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaches have?

Life! health coaches are qualified health professionals (see first point). In addition, applicants are required to have a range of competencies, skills and knowledge before being accepted to train as a Life! health coach.

How do I get more information about Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?

Call the Diabetes Infoline on 13 RISK (13 7475) or visit www.diabetesrisk.org.au