Logan diabetes program turning lives around
Ten per cent may seem like a small amount, but when it comes to the life-long condition of diabetes, it’s making a huge difference for the City of Logan, which has one of the highest diabetes rates in the country.
Logan’s diabetes rate is 8.4 per cent of the local population, compared to 5.6 per cent of the national population.
The good news though, is the Logan Healthy Living program is reducing hospital admissions in Logan for diabetes by 10 per cent. It’s also reducing the amount of people attending hospital emergency departments by 30 per cent.
Logan grandmother Maureen Trainor is living proof of a life turning around for the better thanks to the local program.
At 75 years old, Maureen says attending the Logan Healthy Living centre at Meadowbrook up to 3 times a week is ‘life-changing’ for her.
‘I’ve lost 75 kilograms in recent years, but I wanted to be fitter and healthier,’ Maureen says. ‘I’ve got 6 grandchildren and I want to be around for them.’
The free 12-month program aims to support people living with (or at risk of) type 2 diabetes. It’s been delivered to Logan residents since 2021 by UQ Health Care in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
‘Type 2 diabetes is hereditary in my family so I knew I was on track for a diagnosis if I didn’t get my health in check,’ Maureen says.
‘The program and people have been amazing, giving me access to a clinical therapist, dietitian, social services and physiotherapist – all at no cost.
ABOVE: Maureen Trainor, a participant in the Logan Healthy Living program, at the gym in Meadowbrook with exercise physiologist Zack MacAlpine.
Logan Healthy Living participants in the gym to improve their health and wellbeing.
‘It really has given me the tools to change my life through diet, exercise, education and ongoing support.
I’ve also made great friends and felt so welcomed.’
UQ Health Care Chief Executive Officer Wallis Westbrook says diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia, with 1.5 million Australians currently living with diabetes, and about 2 million at risk.
‘So far, we’ve seen over 800 people through the Logan Healthy Living program and have countless stories of the real impact it is having on the participants’ health and overall wellbeing,’ Mr Westbrook says.
With diabetes accounting for more than 30 per cent of all potentially preventable hospitalisations in the City of Logan, Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood says initiatives like Logan Healthy Living are easing pressure on the public health system.
‘In just 4 years the program has helped hundreds of participants achieve measurable health improvements,’ Dr Littlewood says.
Another flagship program in Queensland, My Health For Life, has helped more than 57,000 Queenslanders take health risk assessments and improve habits.
The assessments help identify the risk of developing chronic diseases, with more than 12,000 high-risk people also completing a free coaching program.
Participants in My Health For Life, run by Diabetes Australia, have achieved results such as reduced waistlines, progress towards meeting recommended fruit and vegetable consumption, and meeting physical activity guidelines.
For information visit: loganhealthyliving.org.au and myhealthforlife.com.au
To view the geographic spread of diabetes in Australia and Logan, visit: map.ndss.com.au
PHOTO AT TOP: Logan Healthy Living participants in the gym to improve their health and wellbeing.
