La Trobe researchers have identified the unmet needs of people living with type 2 diabetes in self-managing their condition.
Type 2 diabetes affects almost 537 million people worldwide.
According to Dr Katerina Sarapis, a core member of the research team, “The condition requires ongoing self-management, which is often hindered by a lack of culturally appropriate dietary guidance, limited access to mental health support, and inconsistent information from healthcare providers.”
The research team investigated how consumer engagement might improve ways to managing the condition.
The missing piece of the puzzle? A Consumer Reference Group (CRG) comprised of people living with type 2 diabetes, “who are trained to lead the co-design of more effective, tailored interventions that meet their needs.”
“Our research demonstrated the CRG’s role in identifying barriers from the perspective of people with lived experience, including those from CALD communities,” Dr Sarapis says.
By embedding consumer perspectives in the design and delivery of healthcare, the findings point to a more responsive and inclusive future for diabetes care.
“It highlights the importance of co-designing interventions with consumers at the forefront, to ensure they are relevant, accessible and responsive to diverse needs,” says Dr Sarapis.
“Our next steps will focus on broadening participant representation to ensure a more inclusive understanding of lived experiences. Building on the foundation established by this collaborative initiative, our team will continue to work across institutions and with community stakeholders to co-design, implement, and evaluate culturally responsive diabetes care strategies”
This project was led by Prof George Moschonis, with Dr Katerina Sarapis and Dr Tina Cao as co-investigators, in collaboration with researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Monash University, with support from La Trobe University’s Research Themes and Synergy Grant initiatives.
