Prevention and management

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented. However, type 2 and gestational diabetes can be prevented or delayed by understanding risk factors and making lifestyle changes [45543][27354]. Access to health services, diabetes-related education programs, healthy and affordable food, and places to exercise are important factors in preventing diabetes [44997].

The management of diabetes once diagnosed includes, but is not limited to, healthy eating, being active, taking medications and monitoring blood glucose levels [47945][45667]. Targeted programs, such as Diabetes Yarning – All About Diabetes, provide information about diabetes and how to manage it, presented from a cultural perspective and reflecting the experiences that are specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Culturally competent diabetes support, education and services play a significant role in the prevention and management of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [44997][44185].

Reducing the impact of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is one of the key goals of the Australian national diabetes strategy 2021-2030 [44185]. Partnerships with communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health services are an important part of designing and delivering diabetes prevention and management programs.