Evidence from a range of different studies conducted in Australia, the United States, China, Japan, Finland and Germany indicates that regular moderate to vigorous exercise, in combination with dietary changes, can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

More recently, landmark intervention studies in China (The China Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study) the US (The Diabetes Prevention Program) and Finland (The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Program), have shown that sustainable lifestyle interventions in people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, led to significant reductions in the incidence of diabetes, by up to 58%.

About Lifestyle Modification Programs

A key component of the Commonwealth Government’s Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Program, is the ability for a GP to refer eligible patients to accredited, subsidised Lifestyle Modification Program (LMPs) to prevent, or delay, the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Patients who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes based on the AUSDRISK tool, can be referred to LMPs under an item 713 (Type 2 diabetes risk review), item 717 (45-49 year old health check) or item 710 (Indigenous adult 15-54 year old health check).

The divisions of general practice network will fund, and in some cases, provide LMPs.

These LMPs will typically be a series of group education and motivation sessions supporting lifestyle change.  LMPs need to ensure they meet the draft standards for lifestyle modification programs for people at risk of type 2 diabetes, and be awarded accreditation before they can start delivering services.  Any LMP that is not accredited, will not be eligible to deliver services, receive GP referrals or receive payment.  For more information on accreditation, visit the accreditation sub-page.

LMP’s will provide information on:

• the risks of diabetes and their relationship to lifestyle risk factors;
• the importance of regular diabetes screening;
• nutrition advice and education;
• physical activity advice;
• behavioural strategies to support the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle changes;
• smoking cessation and alcohol reduction advice if required; and
• information about community resources to provide support in maintaining lifestyle change.

How long is a Lifestyle Modification Program?

Lifestyle Modification Programs must be structured in accordance with the draft national standards.  These standards require an LMP to run for a least 6 months, with an initial intensive phase of at least 4 months.

For further information on the required format of LMPs and core competencies for facilitators, refer to the draft standards.