GP FAQs
What is the Life! Program
Life! is a new evidence based type 2 diabetes prevention program. It includes a lifestyle behaviour change course of six 90 minute group sessions, over an eight month period.
GPs can refer patients to a course if
- the patient is aged 40 years or above or an adult Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- scores 15 or more in the AUSDRISK text
- has had diabetes excluded in the past 12 months.
What does a Life! 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
What is the difference between Life! and the Commonwealth Diabetes Prevention Program?
All people aged 40 and above can be referred to the Life! course, however, the funding is different.
The Life! Program is a Victorian Government initiative and targets people 50 years and over to prevent type 2 diabetes. The Commonwealth Diabetes Prevention Program targets 40 to 49 year olds at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Life! course is accredited under the Commonwealth ‘Standards for lifestyle modification programs for people at risk of type 2 diabetes’. Therefore, we accept referrals for patients aged 40–49 years (funded by the Commonwealth), and those aged 50 years and above (funded by the Victorian government).
Who is eligible for the Life! program?
There are three eligibility criteria for entry. To be eligible a patient must:
- be aged 40 years or above (or an adult Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
- score 15 or more in the AUSDRISK text
- have diabetes excluded in the past 12 months.
How do I exclude diabetes?
Exclude pre-existing diabetes with a fasting blood glucose test, and an oral glucose tolerance test if required, as per the Diabetes Management in General Practice Guidelines.
How long does a Life! 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! 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! course?
No. The patient needs to score 15 or more on the AUSDRISK test to qualify, be aged 40 or above and have diabetes excluded.
Can I refer a patient with pre-diabetes to the Life! course, without having them complete the diabetes risk test?
No. The patient's AUSDRISK text 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! 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! 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 Go For Your Life website www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au, the Kinect website www.vicfit.com.au and the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
What if there is not a Life! course available in my region?
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 Go For Your Life website www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au, the Kinect website www.vicfit.com.au and the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
Are there any contraindications for the Life! course?
Yes. Patients with any of the following conditions are not eligible for the Life! course: pregnancy, active psychiatric illness, myocardial infarction within three months and substance abuse (including alcohol). Those with cognitive impairment, recent stroke affecting mobility and/or cognition may be excluded according to the assessment of the course facilitator.
Is there a fee for the Life! course?
The course is free for most people, including:
- Patients aged 40 – 49 years with a Commonwealth Concession or Health Care Card
- Patients aged 50 years and above 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! 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! 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.
There seems to be a lot of programs called ‘Life’. What is the difference between them?
Life! Taking Action on Diabetes is the Victorian Government funded type 2 diabetes prevention program targeting people aged 50 or over, and led by Diabetes Australia – Vic. A commonly known Commonwealth Government program that sounds similar is Lifescripts, where GPs provide their patients with a prescription for suggested lifestyle changes.
There is also the Reset Your Life Program which is a Commonwealth Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP), specifically for people aged 40–49 years. In Victoria, the Life! Program has been accredited as an LMP, and therefore accepts referrals for people in this age group.
How do I get more information about the Life! Program?
You can contact us by email on life@diabetesvic.org.au or phone Diabetes Australia – Vic on 13 RISK (13 7475). Resources can be ordered by downloading the order form.