Helping women live better with Type 2 diabetes

Online consultations with a nurse, books, ibooks and a specially designed website are just some of the resources participants on Griffith University’s Women’s Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes study will have access to.

“Unfortunately women are currently at risk of being overwhelmed with a vast amount of inaccurate health information, much of which is not evidence based e.g. regarding shonky weight-loss products and regimes,” says Professor Debra Anderson from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland who is leading the study.

“As part of the Women’s Wellness with Type 2 Diabetes study, women aged 45-65 with this condition will be able to undertake an evidence-based e-health 12-week lifestyle intervention focusing on diet, exercise and managing side effects of diabetes and its treatment.”

Throughout the 12 weeks, the participants will be guided by an experienced registered nurse to support them in goal setting and maintaining motivation.

This step-by-step approach will be adapted for the personal needs of each participant, and key strategies will be introduced.

“The main aim is to improve the quality of life for women in this age range with Type 2 diabetes, with the reason for targeting this age group being that this is when the risk of developing the condition increases as a result of lifestyle factors,” Professor Anderson explains.

The study is being funded by Diabetes Queensland, and Diabetes Queensland Chief Executive Officer Michelle Trute highlights diabetes in Queensland has increased by more than 900 per cent in the past 20 years, with more than 195,000 Queenslanders living with Type 2.

“This latest program by Professor Anderson will help the increasing number of Queensland women living with diabetes to be their best selves.”

The Women’s Wellness Type 2 Diabetes study is the newest study in a series of lifestyle interventions from Professor Anderson’s team and forms pilot research in conjunction with Kings College, London.