QUT researchers are calling for people with Type 2 diabetes to join a national trial of an online program that is designed to help them self-manage their condition and alleviate the development of further health complications.
Sophie Parham, a PhD researcher in QUT's IHBI (Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation), needs more than 300 volunteers diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, aged 18-75 who have regular access to a computer and the internet to take part in this 12-month study.
The program being trialled is called OnTrack Diabetes. It provides information about diabetes, offers steps to better manage this condition, tips on simple lifestyle changes, and details on where to get additional help.
"Some goals that participants can focus on in the program include planning and preparing healthier meals, becoming more active and losing weight, and being able to establish better routines for testing blood sugar levels and/or taking medication," Ms Parham said.
She said QUT had successfully pioneered online self-management programs that helped people in remote areas reduce risky drinking levels and cope better with depression.
"QUT's Professor David Kavanagh had first developed the OnTrack program for people struggling with drinking. He found that 80 per cent of participants showed a reduction in their drinking. On average, people drank 40 per cent less alcohol in their week after completing the trial," Ms Parham said.
"Being able to go online and have a free, personalized program with support from health professionals has proven very attractive to people whose condition can be self-managed.
"The online environment is an appealing location for a trial because it doesn't matter where you are or what time it is, you can access the OnTrack Diabetes program.
"Participants can move through their modules at their own pace. It saves them a lot of time and money in going to appointments and empowers people to take charge of their health."
Ms Parham said Diabetes Australia had estimated that 280 Australians develop diabetes every day.
"However, the condition and subsequent health complications can be substantially contained with effective management of diet, exercise, medication and blood sugar testing," she said.
Ms Parham said the OnTrack Diabetes program was a logical choice for a trial because it had self-guided modules aimed at promoting achievable modifications to diet, physical activity, blood sugar testing and medication adherence.
"Participants can monitor their progress through these modules and in addition, a researcher will follow up with each participant four times throughout the study," she said.
"We understand that there can be ups and downs in the journey, so we've also created a module to help manage mood.
"We recognize that managing Type 2 diabetes can be extremely tough and requires a great deal of motivation, so we have designed a program that we hope can potentially improve and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
"We hope that OnTrack Diabetes can encourage participants to keep striving to set and achieve their desired health goals."
To take part in this study, or to find out more go to www.ontrack.org.au/diabetes or contact Ms Parham at sparham@wesleyresearch.com.au
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au
