Push for preventative support for type 2 diabetes

DIETITIANS Australia wants to see a more proactive, preventative and early intervention approach in nutrition support for people at risk of type 2 diabetes.

The peak body is advocating for more frequent support from practising dietitians through Medicare for people to change the course of their health outcomes.

Dietitians Australia president Dr Fiona Willer said up to 58 per cent of Australia’s type 2 diabetes cases 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.”

With type 2 diabetes directly associated with diet, improving dietary quality and increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes is key to preventing the disease.

Dr Willer said having access to evidence-based information, advice and therapy from accredited dietitians is vital.

Dieticians Australia is urging the Federal Government to enable funding for Australians to access support earlier and more frequently.

The peak body is calling for an expansion into Medicare subsidised access for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to a minimum of 12 Medicare sessions and invest in a national, co-ordinated nutrition strategy for 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.

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

For more information, head to dietitiansaustralia.org.au