Life! courses FAQ
What does a Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course cover?
The course covers:
- The importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity
- Risk factors for type 2 diabetes and their link to lifestyle
- Goal setting to assist in the adoption and maintenance of lifestyle changes
- Linkages to local programs and services to adopt lifestyle changes
How long does a Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course run for?
The courses run over six sessions, over a period of eight months. The first five sessions run fortnightly. The final session takes place eight months after the first to allow participants to put their new skills into place.
Can I refer a patient who has diabetes to the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
No. The Life! course is only for those who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but do not currently have diabetes.
Does the patient need to be diagnosed with pre-diabetes in order to qualify as eligible for the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
No. The patient needs to have diabetes excluded. In addition, the patient needs to have:
- history of high risk conditions, specifically a pre-existing condition of either CVD/GDM (regardless of age or AUDRISK score)
- AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 50
- AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 18 if an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- AUSDRISK score of 12 or more as identified through a WorkHealth check and be aged 18 - 39 years.
Can I refer a patient with pre-diabetes to the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course, without having them complete the diabetes risk test?
No. A patient with a history of a high risk condition can be referred without completing a diabetes risk test. If no history exists, the patient's AUSDRISK test score is required for a patient to be referred to a Life! course.
What do I need to do to refer a patient to the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
Simply complete the Life! referral form and fax it to your local Life! facilitator or the central referral service on 9667 1757. The referral form is available in a number of formats, including Medical Director, Genie, Best Practice and Zed Med.
What if a patient is not eligible for the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
Please contact your local division of general practice or community health service to find out what services are available in your area. Encourage your patient to seek information about preventing diabetes from the Diabetes Australia – Vic website www.diabetesvic.org.au or by calling 13 RISK (13 7475). Healthy lifestyle information is available from the Physical Activity Australia website http://www.physicalactivityaustralia.org.au/ and the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
What if there is not a Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course available in my region?
You can refer your patient to the telephone health coaching service.
Are there any exclusions for referring into the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes program?
Yes. People with any of the following conditions are not eligible to enrol in the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes program:
- diabetes
- pregnancy
- recent angina diagnosis/myocardial infarction within the last 3 months.
Is there a fee for the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
The course is free for most eligible people, including:
- Patients on a Concession or Health Care Card
- Patients on low to medium incomes (as per the Health and Community Care (HACC) guidelines)
- Anyone referred through WorkHealth
For all others, a $50 co-payment is required.
Who has duty of care for a patient taking part in a Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
The organisation providing the Life! course has duty of care for the patient.
Will I receive feedback on how my patient is progressing on the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course?
Yes, you will receive a letter after your patient’s fifth and sixth (final) Life! session. The letter will detail your patient’s progress to date, including lifestyle improvements any change in body weight and waist circumference. You will also be notified if your patient does not complete the course.
What happens after my patient finishes the course?
You will receive a letter notifying you that your patient has completed the Life! course. The letter will also contain information on changes to the patient’s weight and waist circumference, as well as lifestyle changes they have made as a result of the program. Your patient will also be encouraged to see you one year after they complete the Life! course for follow up.