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Queensland programs leading the way in diabetes prevention and management ahead of World Diabetes Day

People in a specialist gym program.

      • Friday, 14 November 2025 is World Diabetes Day.
      • More than half of Queensland adults (53.6 percent) live with at least one chronic condition and diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia.  
      • Chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability in Australia, and over one-third of this burden is preventable. 
      • Logan (south of Brisbane) is one of Australia’s diabetes hot spots, with diabetes accounting for more than 30 percent of all potentially preventable hospitalisations. 
      • Two flagship Queensland programs – Logan Healthy Living and My health for life – support adults at risk of chronic disease with knowledge and practical tools to achieve their health goals.  

      With World Diabetes Day on 14 November, Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) is highlighting the success of two community-based programs helping Queenslanders prevent and better manage type 2 diabetes. 

      More than half of Queensland adults (53.6 percent) live with at least one chronic condition, and diabetes remains a leading cause of potentially preventable hospitalisations. 

      In Logan, south of Brisbane, diabetes accounts for more than 30 percent of all potentially preventable hospitalisations. 

      Through initiatives like Logan Healthy Living (delivered by UQ Health Care in partnership with HWQld) and My health for life (delivered by Diabetes Australia and funded by HWQld), HWQld is empowering Queenslanders to take charge of their health and ease pressure on the public health system. 

      Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said the results achieved through Logan Healthy Living demonstrated the life-changing impact of prevention programs delivered in partnership with local communities. 

      ‘Logan Healthy Living is proof that targeted, community-based prevention works,’ Dr Littlewood said. 

      ‘In just four years the program has helped hundreds of participants achieve measurable health improvements, including a 10 percent decrease in hospital admissions and a 30 percent reduction in emergency presentations. 

      ‘Those results show how prevention and partnership can change lives and reduce the pressure on our public health system. 

      ‘Separately, since 2021, we’ve seen more than 57,000 Queenslanders undertake health risk assessments through My health for life to identify their risk of developing chronic diseases. Of these, more than 12,000 high-risk individuals have since completed a free coaching program.  

      ‘As we recognise World Diabetes Day, it’s a timely reminder that small steps can make a big difference – and programs like Logan Healthy Living and My health for life are helping Queenslanders take those steps every day.’ 

      Maureen Trainor, 75, a participant of Logan Healthy Living – a no-cost 12-month program aimed at supporting individuals living with (or at risk of) type 2 diabetes – said the program had been life-changing for her. 

      ‘I’ve lost 75kg in recent years, but I wanted to be fitter and healthier. I’ve got six grandchildren and I want to be around for them,’ Mrs Trainor said. 

      ‘Type 2 diabetes is hereditary in my family so I knew I was on track for a diagnosis if I didn’t get my health in check.  

      ‘The program and people have been amazing, giving me access to a clinical therapist, dietitian, social services and physiotherapist – all at no-cost. It really has given me the tools to change my life through diet, exercise, education and ongoing support. I’ve also made great friends and felt so welcomed,’ she said. 

      UQ Health Care CEO Wallis Westbrook said diabetes was the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia, with 1.5 million Australians currently living with diabetes, and about 2 million at risk.  

      ‘Logan Healthy Living is UQ Health Care’s novel place-based initiative to tackle this problem – providing a comprehensive and holistic service for individuals, and creating an environment that supports research, innovation and the interprofessional health workforce of the future,’ Mr Westbrook said. 

      ‘So far, we’ve seen over 800 people through the program and have countless stories of the real impact it is having on the participants health and overall wellbeing.’ 

      For more information on the programs visit: Logan Healthy Living: www.loganhealthyliving.org.au and My health for life: www.myhealthforlife.com.au 

      Media Contact: Health and Wellbeing Queensland, 0403 645 519

      © Health and Wellbeing Queensland 2020

      Health and Wellbeing Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands from across Queensland. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present for they are holders of the memories, traditions, the culture and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland.


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