Diabetes Victoria has announced that the Victorian Government will continue funding the Life! program for another three years, extending its support until 2027. This extension ensures that more Victorians will benefit from this vital preventive health initiative.
The Life! program, the largest of its kind in Australia, aims to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke among eligible Victorians. The program promotes healthy eating, increased physical activity, and effective stress management through group courses or telephone coaching, supported by an online platform.
A key feature of the program’s extension is the launch of a refreshed version with updated content based on the latest international research. Additionally, a new stream has been developed specifically for women who have experienced gestational diabetes. Given that one in six pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes, this new stream aims to provide the necessary support for these women’s long-term health and wellbeing.
Since its inception in 2007, over 75,000 Victorians have participated in the Life! program, learning how to make healthier lifestyle choices to improve their overall health. The continued funding highlights the ongoing need and interest within the Victorian community to mitigate the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Glen Noonan, CEO of Diabetes Victoria, expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing support, stating, “We thank the Victorian Government for continuing to invest in the Life! program and for its ongoing commitment to preventive health.” He added, “This commitment allows us to build on the progress achieved during the previous funding period. We are delighted to continue our efforts to integrate the Life! program into health services and care pathways, to engage people at risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, also praised the program, saying, “We are proud that Victoria is home to this world-leading prevention program, which now extends to women with gestational diabetes so they can effectively manage their health and the health of their unborn babies throughout pregnancy and birth.”
The success of the Life! program is attributed to the dedication of its program providers, facilitators, and health coaches, who are passionate about reaching as many eligible Victorians as possible. Their efforts have been instrumental in helping participants take significant steps towards better health and reducing their risk of chronic diseases.
As Diabetes Victoria continues to enhance and expand the Life! program, the renewed funding will play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of more Victorians, particularly those most at risk.
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