Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), Sydney, Australia.
School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
BMC Health Serv Res. 2024 Aug 13;24(1):926. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-11335-y.
Early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes and its complications are global health priorities. Optimal outcomes depend on individual awareness and proactive self-management of health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a community-based diabetes detection and intervention program in a high-risk area in western Sydney, Australia.
We collaborated with the Workers Lifestyle Group, Tamil Association Arts and Culture Association, and the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee to implement our program. Participants underwent HbA1C testing via point-of-care blood spot testing. They received personalized feedback, education on diabetes management, and were offered opportunities to enrol in lifestyle modification programs. Participants identified with pre-diabetes (HbA1C 5.7-6.4%) or diabetes (HbA1C > 6.4%) were advised to consult their General Practitioners (GPs). A follow-up questionnaire was distributed 3-8 months post-intervention to evaluate the programs usefulness and relevance and lifestyle changes implemented by the participants.
Over eight months, 510 individuals participated. Of these, 19% had an HbA1C > 6.4%, and 38% had levels between 5.7 and 6.4%. Among those with diabetes, HbA1C levels ranged as follows: 56% <7%; 20% 7-7.9%; 18% 8-8.9%; and 5% >9%. Post intervention survey indicated that the program was well-received, with 62.5% of responses reporting lifestyle changes and 36.3% seeking further advice from their local healthcare providers.
The study demonstrates a significant prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in the community, similar to findings from larger-scale hospital and general practice studies. Point-of-care testing combined with personalized education effectively motivated participants toward healthier lifestyle choices and medical consultations. The paper discusses the scalability of this approach for broader population.
早期发现和预防 2 型糖尿病及其并发症是全球卫生重点。最佳结果取决于个人对健康风险的认识和积极的自我管理。本研究评估了在澳大利亚悉尼西部高风险地区实施的基于社区的糖尿病检测和干预计划的效果。
我们与工人生活方式小组、塔米尔协会艺术与文化协会以及全国原住民和岛民纪念日委员会合作实施我们的计划。参与者通过即时护理血液斑点测试进行 HbA1C 测试。他们获得个性化的反馈、糖尿病管理教育，并获得参加生活方式改变计划的机会。被诊断为糖尿病前期（HbA1C 5.7-6.4%）或糖尿病（HbA1C>6.4%）的参与者被建议咨询他们的全科医生。在干预后 3-8 个月分发了后续调查问卷，以评估该计划的有用性和相关性以及参与者实施的生活方式改变。
在八个月的时间里，有 510 人参加了该计划。其中，19%的人 HbA1C>6.4%，38%的人 HbA1C 水平在 5.7 到 6.4%之间。在患有糖尿病的人群中，HbA1C 水平如下：56%<7%；20%7-7.9%；18%8-8.9%；5%>9%。干预后调查表明，该计划受到了广泛欢迎，62.5%的受访者报告生活方式发生了变化，36.3%的受访者向当地医疗保健提供者寻求进一步建议。
该研究表明，社区中糖尿病前期和糖尿病的患病率很高，与更大规模的医院和普通实践研究的结果相似。即时护理测试结合个性化教育有效地促使参与者选择更健康的生活方式并寻求医疗咨询。本文讨论了这种方法在更广泛人群中的可扩展性。
