Diabetes Management and Care Program

Curbing the incidence of diabetes and related chronic disease amongst Indigenous people, particularly in remote communities by prevention and awareness and adapting to a healthier lifestyle.

Who Is This For?

This program was developed for Indigenous communities with an interest in improving the quality of life for people living with Diabetes.

What We Did

We helped Indigenous communities, particularly in the Kimberley/Pilbara regions, to understand and take control over the risks associated with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. We worked with relevant community members and schools to provide awareness raising activities and workshops with a focus on awareness, prevention and management.

As part of our Roadmap for Better Health program, our Diabetes and Nutrition Education program involved term visits to communities by a nutritionist followed by more regular visits by UFPA Program Officers with follow-ups by local Community Cultural Carers.

How We Did It

UFPA provided workshop sessions with the community and school groups, to raise awareness of diabetes and chronic illness. These sessions generally involved an interactive component that involved sourcing locally grown food for cooking and demonstrating ways to make nutritious meals with no sugar, unprocessed food, salt, etc.

Our Services

• One-on-one support to diabetics.

• Support for whole communities through education and awareness programs.

• Assistance with sensible, personal exercise programs that were interesting and enjoyable.

• Food Nutrition: Food preparation, food hygiene, healthy cooking and healthy food choices.

• Reinvigorating traditional foods, medicines and bush trips.

• Community store audit and workshop – focus on ensuring the right foods are available.

• Physical activities.

• Budgeting for food.

• Meetings and workshops with local Cultural Carers.