January 17, 2013

If you have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, are carrying some extra weight around your waist or are not as active as you used to be, you could be at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

In Queensland the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes continues to increase with about 60 new cases of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed each day.

RHealth Healthy Lifestyles Program Officer Caitlin Isaac said it was well documented that Type 2 Diabetes is increasing and by 2033 the prevalence is expected to double, resulting in a fivefold increase in expenditure.

“We know that two out of three adults in the South Burnett (67.9 per cent) are carrying extra weight, whilst only one out of every two residents (46.1 per cent) do enough physical activity every day,” she said.

“To help South Burnett residents make simple, cost effective changes to the way they eat and move every day, RHealth has developed an exciting, hands-on, program called the South Burnett Diabetes Prevention Program.

“The Diabetes Prevention Program covers healthy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, with participants getting involved in the preparation and picking up useful tips for modifying recipes, understanding food labels and making their shopping dollar go further.

“The program will also provide participants with an opportunity to learn simple and effective ways to become active every day and will challenge them over the four-week period to increase their incidental activity.”

The program will be conducted over four weeknight sessions from 5:30pm-7:00pm over four weeks.

“It is hoped that those attending will be armed with the knowledge and tools to make long lasting changes to reduce their risk of Type 2 Diabetes into the future,” Caitlin said.

Programs will begin at the end of January in Kingaroy, end of February in Murgon, early April in Nanango and a second Kingaroy Program will start in May.

To secure one of the 12 places available in each program, contact your GP, dietitian or Caitlin Isaac at RHealth on (07) 4162-5230 or by email

RHealth has been funded by Queensland Health to deliver this program.