Push for preventative support for type 2 diabetes

DIETITIANS Australia is calling for a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention in nutrition support for people at risk of type 2 diabetes.

The peak body is pushing for more frequent access to dietitians through Medicare to help Australians change the course of their health outcomes.

Dietitians Australia president Dr Fiona Willer said up to 58 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases in Australia can be prevented or delayed by changing behaviours.

“Yet, for many Australians, timely access to personalised nutrition support provided by a dietitian remains out of reach,” she said.

“Currently, Australians are only eligible for very limited Medicare subsidised support after a chronic condition such as type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, a model that falls woefully short of what is needed for the prevention and early management of diet-related disease.”

As type 2 diabetes is directly linked to diet, improving dietary quality and increasing fruit, vegetable and legume intake is key to prevention.

Dr Willer said evidence-based advice and therapy from accredited dietitians is vital to tackling the issue.

The organisation is urging the Federal Government to expand Medicare subsidised support for people at risk of type 2 diabetes to a minimum of 12 sessions and to invest in a national, coordinated nutrition strategy to promote health-supporting food environments.

Dr Willer said there is a clear path forward.

“When it comes to making sense of diet and nutrition information and turning that knowledge into lasting behavioural changes, accredited practising dietitians are the people with years of clinical training that can be harnessed to support Australians,” she said.

“Dietitians must be embedded at the frontline of prevention, early intervention, treatment and long-term management of diabetes and chronic disease.”

For more information, visit the Dietitians Australia website.