When IMX was made aware of the UTS program ‘Creating better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through Diabetes Education and Management’ we were interested to know how we could help?

What we learned

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost four times more likely than non- Indigenous Australians to have diabetes or pre-diabetes.  An estimated 37% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have diabetes, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have almost double the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes as non- indigenous women. 

In 2018 diabetes was the second leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.  

Childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes can lead to other serious health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, neuropathy and ophthalmic complications. One in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy which can lead to blindness4. 

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with proper education around diet and exercise, and in many cases, it can be reversed. 

UTS’ goal is to raise funding for scholarships which will qualify health care professionals to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diabetes Educators in the communities that need them most. 

What Happened next

InfoMedix partnered with Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) to sponsor the first indigenous student to receive the scholarship at UTS.

We are delighted to have Ms Nova Peris OAM as our ambassador for the InfoMedix/ADEA Scholarship which has been received by Ms Trina Scott. Trina is a Registered nurse, working with Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane, she has a passion for educating others to improve their wellbeing. We look forward to following Trina’s success.