Innovative Diabetes Program for Aboriginal Women Achieves 30% Remission Rate

In a groundbreaking study, a program co-designed by Aboriginal women has successfully led to a remission rate of 30% for participants suffering from type 2 diabetes. This research, which is the first of its kind in Australia, utilized a combination of Shared Medical Appointments, continuous glucose monitoring, and a culturally relevant food program to empower First Nation women, enhancing their self-management skills and motivation to achieve better glycemic control.

The initiative was spearheaded by the South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) in collaboration with Southern Cross University and the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. The study included culturally sensitive activities, such as food appreciation sessions designed for the Yuin Nation, located on the South Coast of New South Wales. The findings were published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

Associate Professor John Stevens, a lecturer at Southern Cross University and lead investigator of the study, reported that out of 25 women who had been living with diabetes for over a decade, seven achieved complete remission for at least 12 months, while 18 were able to lower their blood sugar levels to healthier ranges.

Professor Stevens highlighted the empowerment aspect of the program, noting that participants were given the autonomy to make decisions impacting their health, which led to high engagement and notable success. The tailored eight-week lifestyle medicine course featured the Shared Medical Appointment model, where healthcare practitioners participated as equal members within the group, providing guidance on behavioral change techniques aimed at improving health outcomes.

Significant improvements were observed in various health metrics, including weight, systolic blood pressure, liver enzymes, and overall diabetes management scores. Participants expressed a sense of community and understanding, as they shared similar health challenges.

Hayley Longbottom, Chief Executive Officer of Waminda and co-author of the study, noted that the program equips Aboriginal women with the necessary tools to take control of their health and achieve self-determined outcomes. The integration of Continuous Glucose Monitoring, coupled with health coaching from diabetes educators, offered these women a unique opportunity to understand their bodies and manage their diabetes effectively.

Southern Cross University is pioneering the implementation of Shared Medical Appointments in Australia, with Professor Stevens, a co-founder of the Lifestyle Medicine movement in the country, emphasizing the model's effectiveness in addressing chronic diseases. The structure of these appointments involves small groups of individuals with shared health concerns discussing lifestyle modifications with a healthcare provider, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Feedback from participants has indicated that the Shared Medical Appointment format resonates with traditional health care practices within Aboriginal communities, encouraging them to reconnect with health services they may have previously avoided.

This innovative study marks a significant advancement in addressing the disproportionate impact of type 2 diabetes on First Nation communities in Australia and abroad, offering a promising framework for culturally appropriate diabetes management.