Peak diabetes organisations are urging the Federal Government to act now and prioritise access to diabetes medicines for Aboriginal communities in rural and remote areas.

Diabetes Australia, Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association are calling for prioritised access to vital medicines for Aboriginal communities where rates of type 2 diabetes are the highest in the world.

Diabetes Australia Acting Group CEO Taryn Black said the global shortage of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic is having a serious impact on the diabetes community, particularly in parts of Australia where rates of type 2 diabetes are disproportionately high.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and nearly five times more likely to be hospitalised with diabetes-related complications,” Ms Black said.

“We know that new medicines like GLP-1 agonists are highly effective, so we need to ensure that they are available in areas of most need.

“In Australia, that means prioritising access for Aboriginal communities in rural and remote areas where high rates of type 2 diabetes are having a devastating impact on peoples lives,” she said.

Grace Ward, Elder Advocate at Diabetes Australia and Kamilaroi-Yuwaalaraay diabetes educator, said the burden of disease from type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal communities was a major issue with up to 40% prevalence rates in Aboriginal adults in Central Australia.

“Worryingly, the age of diagnosis is also getting younger,” Ms Ward said.

“This week we recognised National Close the Gap Day. Health equity is a key theme of closing the gap. 

“Governments should prioritise working with communities, seeking solutions to address the barriers to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people living with type 2 diabetes, by providing access to critical diabetes medicines including GLP1-s. 

“This would improve diabetes management and prevent complications,” Ms Ward said.

Australian Diabetes Society CEO Sof Andrikopoulos said newer medications need to be provided to remote communities without restriction.

“Access to diabetes medicines needs to be provided without delay to Aboriginal communities in central Australia in particular, in order to address the significant burden of disease in these communities,” Mr Andrikopoulos said.

Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO, Susan Davidson, said credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) are working hard across the country to support people living with diabetes but medicines are essential.

“CDEs provide support for the use of GLP-1s, as well as advice on exercise and healthy eating.

“The prioritisation of GLP1’s for Aboriginal communities where there is highest need will support health professionals in providing the critical care that is needed for people living with diabetes,” Ms Davidson said.

If you are living with diabetes, looking after your feet is an important part of staying healthy.

Foot problems can be a common complication of diabetes. Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet and poor blood circulation, leading to infection.

Why do I need to look after my feet? 

Staying aware of the risks and taking care of your feet can prevent serious issues like foot ulcers and even amputations of toes, feet or limbs.

Australia has the second highest rate of diabetes related amputations in the developed world. Rates are particularly high in rural and remote settings, and amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The good news is, around 85% of diabetes related amputations are preventable if wounds are detected early and managed appropriately.

Diabetes Australia would like to thank Bush Tucker Bunjie and Jarrod Harbrow for producing these videos and helping get the word out about diabetes-relates foot complications and the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Watch the video: Looking after you feet and preventing diabetes related complications.

How can I look after my feet? 

Watch the video: Bush Tucker Bunjie shares some top tips for looking after your feet.

Tip 1 – Keep your blood glucose levels in check 

Stable blood glucose levels will help to lower the risk of foot problems.

High blood glucose levels over time can cause nerve damage which makes it hard to feel sensation in your feet. This lack of sensation can mean that you might not feel it if you have injured your feet. If you are having difficulty keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range, talk to your healthcare worker, doctor or diabetes educator.  

Tip 2 – Wash and check your feet every day 

Take care of your skin

Wash your feet every day. If you live in a dry and dusty environment, you may need to wash and check your feet more regularly. Be sure to dry all areas thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Apply moisturiser every day but not between the toes. Keep the area between your toes dry to reduce the risk of getting fungal infections. 

Check your feet daily

Get to know your feet and check them every day. This is especially important if you live in rural or remote areas of Australia with a hot climate, as this may cause sweating and increase risk of blisters and ulcers.

Daily checks of your feet are important to catch any changes in the look and feel of your feet. Use a mirror or ask a family member or carer to help if you have trouble reaching your feet.

Check all areas of your feet including the soles and between the toes. Look for:  

• dry skin or excessive moisture  
• thickened skin, such as calluses or corns  
• breaks in the skin, such as cracks, blisters or ulcers  
• signs of infection, including redness or darker skin than usual  
• any change in the shape and thickness of your nails, and any in-grown nails  
• any change in the shape of your feet, such as bunions or claw toes.  

Tip 3 – Look after callouses and corns if you have them 

Corns and callus are areas of hard skin that build-up due to abnormal pressures occurring in the foot. It is important to care for these, as they can cause damage to your skin.  

Firstly, find a pumice stone, some fine sandpaper, or a pot scourer to help reduce the thick skin. Avoid using over-the-counter corn cures as they can cause ulcers in people with diabetes. Put your feet in some water with soap, then gently rub the area of thick skin. Do this a few times until it feels smooth.

After you have dried your feet, you also need to moisturise them. Every day, rub it into your skin, but not between your toes. If this does not help, you should organise an appointment at your local health clinic to have the hard skin checked. Don’t wait for your annual visit because if untreated, these injuries may not heal due to lack of blood supply and infection.  

Tip 4 – Treat any sores or cuts on your feet  

If you notice any sores or cuts, it is important to treat them.  

If you find a cut, blister, sore, red area or open crack, you should immediately:  

• wash and dry the area  
• apply a good antiseptic such as Betadine, then  
• cover with a band aid or sterile dressing, available from pharmacies or your local healthcare clinic.  

If the injury doesn’t improve within 24 hours, make an urgent appointment at your local healthcare clinic. It could help you avoid serious complications. 

Tip 5 – Protect your feet with good shoes and always wear socks 

Your feet need protection so they don’t get cut and damaged from things you might walk on.

Always wear some kind of footwear, and make sure your shoes fit, otherwise they can hurt your feet and make them worse. If wearing closed end shoes, make sure you wear socks to help prevent blisters. And remember to change your socks every day to prevent infection, especially if you have a sore or cut.

Before putting on your shoes, make sure they don’t have any stones in them, and they don’t have any torn lining that could rub on your feet. Closed end shoes are best, but any kind of footwear is better than nothing, even if it’s thongs.  

Tip 6 – Get your feet checked every 12 months even if you think they’re ok 

Every year you should have your feet checked by a health care worker, doctor, diabetes educator or podiatrist. This will help you catch the signs early and prevent damage before it starts. 

At your check-up, your health professional will look at:  

• blood flow to your feet (circulation)  
• feeling and reflexes (nerves)  
• unusual foot shapes (bunions, claw toes, hammer toes)  
• toenails  
• dryness, calluses, corns, cracks or infections.

If you look after your feet, they will look after you.  

This educational program is supported by a sponsorship provided by Abbott. 

Widely-respected Kamilaroi-Yuwaalaraay diabetes educator Grace Ward has been appointed to the position of Elder Advocate at Diabetes Australia.

The newly established leadership and advocacy position will provide cultural advice and guidance directly to the executive and leadership team, as well as across the organisation.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said Ms Ward’s appointment to this important new role would contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes, and those at risk.

“Grace’s previous experience at the Menzies School of Health Research and then at Diabetes Queensland has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in facilitating innovative culturally-appropriate First Nations diabetes education programs. 

“This is a critical area of focus for Diabetes Australia and I can think of no one better suited to take on this leadership role,” Ms Cain said.

Ms Ward said she was passionate about building a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“To achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is imperative that programs and resources are developed and delivered with a strong cultural focus,” Ms Ward said.

“Diabetes Australia is committed to achieving this with advice and direction from First Nations communities and by increasing the First Nations workforce within the organisation.”

The new Elder Advocate role is critical in Diabetes Australia’s efforts to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture across the organisation and engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

Dental health is an essential part of wellbeing, particularly for individuals living with diabetes. Among various population groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face unique challenges in maintaining oral health, which can be compounded by the presence of diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes glucose, the preferred fuel source of the brain and body. Sustained high blood glucose levels can weaken blood vessel health, blood flow, and the immune system, compromising oral health. Individuals living with diabetes are more prone to infections, including gum disease (periodontitis). Gum disease, in turn, can make diabetes harder to manage, creating a cyclic relationship between the two health conditions.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities often encounter barriers that impact their oral health; limited access to timely dental care being a primary concern. Factors such as geographical isolation, socioeconomic disparities, cultural safety concerns, and other factors can contribute to reduced access to preventive and curative dental services. This can greatly increase the risk of oral health issues among individuals living with diabetes.

Cultural factors play a significant role in oral health practices. Collaborative efforts are key to ensuring that oral health education is culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Promoting the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist can be achieved through community engagement, workshops, and informational materials that resonate with the cultural values of the community.

Engaging community leaders and healthcare providers in oral health initiatives can greatly improve dental care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes. Mobile dental clinics and telehealth services can bridge the gap in access to care, especially for those living in remote areas. By bringing dental care to the community, these interventions can make oral health services more accessible and convenient.

Integrated healthcare models that combine diabetes and dental care, can lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Collaborative efforts between Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, diabetes educators and oral health professionals can result in comprehensive care plans that address both conditions. This integrated approach can lead to improved diabetes management and better oral health outcomes.

Access to knowledge and tools are vital for empowering sustainable oral health care. Workshops, seminars, and one-on-one education sessions can help raise awareness about the connection between diabetes and dental health. By understanding the impact of diabetes on oral health, and vice versa, individuals can make informed decisions and adopt oral health promoting behaviours where possible.

Addressing the unique challenges faced by communities and promoting access to affordable culturally safe and sensitive oral health education and services, health care and related teams can work towards improving both oral health and diabetes outcomes. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, community leaders, and the person, and their family, living with diabetes are key to fostering positive change and reducing the burden of diabetes related dental complications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For more information on diabetes education for the health workforce and or people living with or at risk of diabetes, please click here for the Diabetes Australia website or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to speak with a health professional.

Historically, the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes have been attributed to genetics, ethnicity, sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and being of a higher weight. However, strong and emerging research has shed light on another significant factor that plays a role in the development and progression of chronic health conditions, including diabetes: stress.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that stress can influence diabetes in multiple ways. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels. This response is known as the fight-or-flight reaction, where the body prepares itself for perceived threats. The surge in blood glucose levels prompts the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy production such as in the muscles. In individuals living with existing diabetes, this stress-induced rise in blood glucose can pose challenges in managing the condition effectively. However, chronic or long-term stress can have detrimental effects on a person’s health, including the potential to contribute to the development of diabetes and difficulties preventing complications when living with diabetes.

So, stress can not only exacerbate diabetes but can also increase the risk of developing the condition. Research suggests that long-term exposure to stress hormones can impair insulin’s effectiveness, leading to a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to the hormone’s signals, resulting in higher levels of glucose circulating in the bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, where the body loses its ability to regulate blood glucose effectively. 

Stress can also indirectly influence diabetes risk through its impact on lifestyle factors. When individuals experience chronic stress, they are more likely to engage in coping mechanisms such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, over working, overeating, and physical inactivity which can increase the risk of diabetes or make diabetes difficult to manage, leading to a greater risk of diabetes complications.

Furthermore, stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insufficient or poor-quality sleep. Sleep deprivation has been linked to insulin resistance, reduced glucose tolerance, and an increased risk of developing diabetes. The cycle of stress, increased use and reliance on coping mechanisms, disrupted sleep, and impaired glucose regulation creates a fertile ground for the development and progression of diabetes.

Recognising the impact of stress on diabetes risk highlights the importance of stress management support and techniques as part of a comprehensive diabetes prevention and management plan.

Suggestions for reducing stress and improving social and emotional wellbeing

1.  Regular movement: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators and stress reducers. Regular enjoyable movement such as going On-Country also helps regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

2.  Relaxation techniques: Practices such as deep listening, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness have been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of calm and improve sleep patterns. DREAMY is a collection of sleep stories created by First Nations storytellers which some might find helpful to improve sleep and or relaxation.

3.  Social support: Connecting with authentic friends, family, and support groups can provide valuable safe spaces for sharing and receiving social and emotional support.

4.  Prioritising self-care: Taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, spending time in nature including animals, reading, listening and or playing music, and creating (painting, weaving, knitting, gardening) can help to alleviate and or manage stress and heal.

5. Seeking professional support: In cases where stress becomes overwhelming and starts to impact daily functioning and social and emotional wellbeing, seeking help from a mental health professional can provide valuable guidance and support – the GP can help with a referral to a mental health professional.

Looking forward

While some stress is helpful and an unavoidable part of life, understanding the impact of high and sustained levels of stress (current and inter-generational) on physical/metabolic health, particularly its role as a driver of diabetes, is crucial. By recognising the relationship between stress, social and emotional wellbeing, and diabetes, individuals can begin to proactively manage stress levels and adopt management mechanisms that are supportive to strong social and emotional wellbeing. Incorporating stress reduction techniques into one’s daily routine, alongside a restorative sleep pattern, helpful social supports, regular movement, and nutrient-rich food choices, can significantly contribute to preventing and or managing diabetes and improving overall social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

For more information on diabetes education for the health workforce and or people living with or at risk of diabetes, please click the Diabetes Australia website here or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to speak with a health professional.

By Robbie Tyson, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Accredited Practising Dietitian

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Among the many areas of the body affected by diabetes complications, due to sustained high blood glucose levels, the eyes are particularly vulnerable. It is crucial to shed light on the strong link between diabetes and eye health, as well as to emphasise the importance of proactive care and regular eye examinations.

Diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, is the most common eye complication associated with diabetes. When blood glucose levels remain consistently high over time, the tiny blood vessels in the retina can become weak, leak, or even block blood flow altogether. This can lead to vision impairment and, if left untreated, potentially blindness.

Aside from diabetic retinopathy, diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts. Additionally, people living with diabetes are more prone to developing dry eyes, a condition characterised by inadequate tear production, leading to discomfort, higher risk of eye infections, and potential damage to the cornea.

Early detection and prevention

The good news is that with accessible and good care, the risk and severity of diabetes eye complications can be significantly reduced. Maintaining safe and stable blood glucose levels is essential in safeguarding eye health. Looking after and or getting support for our social and emotional wellbeing, taking diabetes medication as prescribed, getting enough sleep and the regular diabetes related health checks, enjoying regular activity and a well-balanced diet, can all help to manage diabetes effectively.

Regular eye examinations play a pivotal role in the early detection of diabetes eye complications. People living with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year. These exams allow eye care professionals to assess the health of the retina and identify any signs of retinopathy or other diabetes-related eye problems in their early stages. Early intervention can preserve vision and prevent further damage.

KeepSight is a diabetes eye check reminder program run by Diabetes Australia. It helps people living with diabetes to remember when their eye checks are due. People living with diabetes can join themselves, or ask their eye care provider to sign them up for reminders when they have an eye check. The KeepSight website also provides a ‘find a provider’ function to help people find an eye care provider near them.

Health care professionals who would like to work with KeepSight to encourage their patients to have regular diabetes eye checks and increase service or practice recall, can become a KeepSight partner. For more information contact: support@keepsight.org.au.

Health-supportive Lifestyle Behaviours and Care = Healthy Eyes:

In addition to medical management and regular eye check-ups, adopting health-supportive lifestyle behaviours can help overall eye health for people living with diabetes:

1. Stopping or reducing smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking is an important step toward protecting blood vessels, and improving both general and eye health
2. Blood pressure and cholesterol management: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels aren’t great for blood vessel health, and can worsen eye problems for people living with diabetes. Taking blood pressure and cholesterol medications if prescribed, quitting smoking, moving regularly and enjoying whole foods can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
3. Regular exercise: Regular exercise helps manage blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of diabetes eye complications, along with improves circulation and mood
4. Nutrient rich eating pattern: Enjoying where possible a diet rich in whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats/meat alternatives, milk and yoghurt, helps maintain a healthy mind and body including immune system. Including foods rich in antioxidants, such as dark leafy greens, berries, and nuts, can help protect the eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress

The importance of looking after our eyes when living with diabetes can’t be understated. Awareness, prevention, and proactive diabetes management and care, saves vision. By managing diabetes effectively, maintaining safe and stable blood glucose levels, and having regular eye examinations, people living with diabetes can prevent or slow diabetes-related vision loss. Incorporating health-supportive lifestyle behaviours where possible, including good sleep patterns and behaviours and care that support social emotional wellbeing, a nutritious diet and regular activity, further supports good eye health.

For more information on diabetes education for the health workforce and or people living with or at risk of diabetes, please head to the Diabetes Australia website here or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to speak with a health professional.

The Menzies School of Health-led Diabetes across the Lifecourse: Northern Australian Partnership, which includes Diabetes Australia, has been recognised by one of the world’s leading medical journals as an example of best practice to improve diabetes in minority ethnic groups.

The Lancet is this week publishing Addressing Global Inequity in Diabetes: International Progress as part of a series on diabetes research. The paper highlights best practice approaches to achieve equity in diabetes care and outcomes.

It chose Diabetes across the Lifecourse: Northern Australian Partnership as the best practice case study to show how to effectively “change the ecosystem”. Diabetes Australia works collaboratively with the program.

The Partnership was selected because it applies research recommendations and equity principles to real-world situations related to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including the growing number of young people developing diabetes in Australia. It addresses structural inequity and its consequences by looking at changes in policy, social systems, and the environment to improve diabetes care and outcomes.

Recent Menzies research across northern and central Australia has found the youngest youth-onset type 2 diabetes diagnosis was a 4-year-old. The highest prevalence of diabetes (3.1%) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged under 25 years was in females aged 15 to 24 years in central Australia, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Those higher rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes contribute to high rates of pre-gestational diabetes, which is up to 8.4% in pregnant Aboriginal women in central Australia.

The study highlighted that as a result of the widening diabetes inequity, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience significant and premature morbidity and mortality from type 2 diabetes and its complications. In 2021, diabetes-related mortality and hospitalisation rates were more than 4 times higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Indigenous Australians. The median age of death was 62.5 years compared to 82.2 years for the general Australian population, with cardiovascular disease and diabetes among the two leading causes of death.

Co-authors of the Lancet diabetes series, the Menzies School of Health’s Professor Louise Maple-Brown and Sian Graham, found that structural racism and geographic inequity are accelerating the soaring global rates of diabetes, which is outpacing most chronic conditions around the world.

Prof Maple-Brown said they were delighted and honoured to see more than a decade of work through The Partnership acknowledged on the international stage.

“The Partnership strives to address diabetes inequity in the real world by raising the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with lived experience of type 2 diabetes, thinking about their larger social context and addressing structural inequity.”

“These ways of working allow us to create sustainable and equitable change in diabetes in our own backyard and around the world,” Prof Maple-Brown said.

The Lancet series is in response to a call by the 2020 Lancet Diabetes Commission and the World Health Organisation Global Diabetes Compact to reduce diabetes. It draws attention to the growing number of people developing diabetes, despite increased awareness and ongoing efforts to relieve this trend.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious health issue affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at a much higher rate than non-Indigenous Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The reasons for this are complex and many, but one crucial factor is the lack of access to quality healthcare. 

To address this health gap, the Australian Government introduced the annual 715 health check. The 715 health check is a comprehensive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which includes an assessment of diabetes risk factors. The 715 health check is free of charge and can be accessed by all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over. 

This article explores the 715 free health check and how it can be used to help prevent and detect diabetes.

What is the 715 health check?

The 715 health check is a really important tool for preventing diabetes. The assessment identifies risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. Early detection of these risk factors can lead to earlier treatment, care and support, including health behaviour change “lifestyle modification” support and guidance from a doctor and other health professionals. Support could include working with the person at risk of diabetes on what they feel they can start working towards to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Such as improving or increasing life-enhancing stress management behaviours and assistance e.g. carving out more time to enjoy physical activity each week and or seeking more specific social and emotional wellbeing support around social stressors e.g. housing. 

Did you know? 

• Having a yearly 715 health check is free and takes around 45-60 minutes to complete 
• The 715 health check has been tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and up 
• Having a 715 health check will help the person to manage their health and prevent chronic diseases 
• Having a 715 health check also gives the person access to additional bulk-billed allied health services (including podiatry, physiotherapy, dietitians and more) 

In addition to diabetes prevention, the 715 health check also addresses other health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and mental health. The assessment includes a physical examination, blood tests, and other health assessments, as well as an opportunity to discuss any health concerns with a health worker. 

Despite the importance of the 715 health check, uptake of this health check isn’t ideal. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that only 30% of eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians accessed the 715 health check in 2019-20, no doubt COVID-19 played a part.

To address this issue, the Australian government has launched various initiatives to increase the uptake of the 715 health check. These initiatives include culturally appropriate education and awareness programs, funding for healthcare providers to deliver the 715 health check, and incentives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to attend the health check. 

The 715 health check is a potentially powerful tool for diabetes prevention and the overall health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Early detection of diabetes risk factors through the 715 health check can lead to earlier interventions, which can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. It is crucial that all eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples access the 715 health check, and by working together, health workers and healthcare providers can ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive the care and support they need to live healthy, empowered and fulfilling lives.   

For more information on diabetes education for the health workforce and or people living with or at risk of diabetes, please head to the Diabetes Australia website here or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to speak with a health professional. 

By Robbie Tyson, Credentialled Diabetes Educator

“Jingeri, Jimbelung.”

Australia’s first Aboriginal Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator opens his emails with ancient language and a warm greeting that makes the receiver feel good about themselves, and about being Australian.

“Hello and welcome, friend” right back at you, Trent Lyon.

Trent, 33, is from the Yugambeh (pronounced You-GAM-Bear) nation, and was born to the Wanggeriburra (pronounced Wang-Gerry-Burra) clan from around Tambourine in Southern Queensland.

It’s important to Trent, who works full-time with Diabetes Australia, that he tells his story with all the colours of a portrait, and not just the pretty ones.

“I was a very ordinary student at high school,” Trent tells with an easy smile. “My OP was below the entry requirements for university. I wanted to study Exercise Physiology but I just didn’t get the marks.”

He went to TAFE instead, and did a bridging Diploma of Fitness (personal training), which gave him entry to the degree he wanted to do: a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at QUT.

To Trent’s great relief, he found uni suited his learning style more than high school.

“Learning online really works for me. I like to take my time to listen, replay, pause, and take notes. I think the biggest thing is that I can listen to a lecture when I’m ready to do it. That’s made a big difference.”

Trent was inspired to find a way to study exercise because although he wasn’t academic at school, he loved sport. And he was good at it.

“I played grass hockey when I was young, then started competing in triathlons.” He gave permission to be described as an “above-average” triathlete.   

“When I was at TAFE, I checked into Procrastination Central. But working a full-time job, being in a committed relationship, and studying part-time, I told myself I have two choices: I either do the assignment or fail.

“I stay disciplined with study so I can enjoy all the adventures and holidays with my partner Jacinta that’s possible now.”

Trent, who is recovering from anxiety and PTSD, credits his Mum for helping him believe he could achieve even after he didn’t succeed in high school.

“Mum was always very accepting about who I was and what I did. Her advice was to give it your best shot, and if you did that, that was all that mattered. She’s extremely proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Trent is now studying for his Diploma in Psychological Science and wants to use his learning and life skills to give back to his people. One of the areas of greatest need for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is diabetes management.

“I didn’t study three degrees for fun. I want to give back: understand, accept and be proud of who we are as individuals.”

Trent says his Grandma lived with type 2 diabetes but had a lot of shame about her condition. She hid her condition from her family and didn’t take medication for years. She eventually passed from stroke and kidney disease, known complications of diabetes.

“Now my Dad and all that side of the family have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I thought that was my future, but I know now I can change things. I want other people to know that too.”

Trent, who started with Diabetes Australia (then Queensland) in 2021, has now joined the Western Queensland Travelling CDE program and travels to Charleville for one week a month to provide a diabetes clinic.

“I went to Close the Gap Day in Charleville recently and met a lot of people, including the Elders. It was really great. I loved to meet the community like that.”

For fitness, Trent walks with Jacinta and rides his bike 14km to and from work. For inspiration, he thinks of the people he has met on his journey.

“I worked with a young Torres Strait Islander kid who had a hard time growing up. He thought his life would be drugs and alcohol, but we worked together at an Aboriginal Health Service and he started to think things could be different for him.

“He went on to finish Year 12 and is now studying Exercise Phys at QUT. He just needed a bit of help, some mentoring, and he’s on a different journey.”

Trent’s mission is to make sure that’s not the only person’s journey that will change.

Diabetes e-Learning – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health program wins Gold award.

We are proud to announce that Diabetes Australia and Interface learning won gold for Best eLearning Project (industry specific) at the LearnX Awards 2022 for the Diabetes e-Learning – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health program.

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) funded program offers a culturally appropriate interactive learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners and those health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples living with diabetes.

The self-paced program is free of charge and comprises of nine online modules which can be accessed anywhere, at any time. Since its launch in April 2021, the program has had great success, training over 600 health workers and practitioners nationwide.

The LearnX Awards is an annual event run by the LearnX Foundation. The global annual awards program recognises excellence in learning and development across corporate, government, education, non-profit and community service sectors.

You can access the Diabetes e-Learning – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health program via the NDSS website.