On World Diabetes Day 2008, the Diabetes Research Foundation WA (DRFWA) awarded Associate Professor Tim Skinner, from the Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health, funding to develop an internet-based program to help alleviate anxiety and health risks for people living with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes WA has been working alongside Professor Skinner to adapt a blood glucose awareness training program developed in the US for Western Australia. The project aims to provide accessible, reliable information and support for people who live with type 1 diabetes .

Professor Skinner explains that people with type 1 diabetes face two common problems – anxiety about hypoglycaemia and the social ramifications, as well as hypoglycaemic unawareness, which can both lead to serious health problems – and the best way to overcome these is with education.

The BGAThome project has involved adapting the US internet based program for the West Australian population. Once this is complete, a trial will be conducted as an initial evaluation of its benefits. If found to be beneficial, the program will be made available for people in WA via the Diabetes WA website.

The Australian BGAThome website is currently being built and tested in preparation for commencing the trial in early 2010.

If you have type 1 diabetes and would like to register your interest in being a part of the trial, simply e-mail Janmarie Michie at janmarie.michie@diabeteswa.com.au

 Top of page