Australian General Practice Research Foundation
Research Partner
For more than 60 years, the Australian General Practice Research Foundation has been instrumental in supporting vital research in general practice, shaping the future of Australian primary care for a healthier tomorrow.
Funding
$500,000
Dates
2023 - 2028
nib foundation and the Australian General Practice Research Foundation—the philanthropic arm of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)—have partnered to support research addressing systemic challenges within Australia’s healthcare system. Recognising that general practice is pivotal in the early detection and management of chronic diseases, this collaboration aims to address pressures arising from an ageing population, increasing chronic conditions, a complex health system, and rising healthcare costs. To help build a more resilient healthcare system, annual grants of up to $250,000 will be available in 2024 and 2025. These grants will fund research into the financial sustainability of general practice and innovative, non-pharmacological interventions, and collaboration and coordination of care within the broader healthcare ecosystem.
2024 Grant Recipient: T2:D - Take 2: Diabetes
The project
Over 1.5 million Australians have type 2 diabetes, a progressive disease that contributes to heart disease and leads to complications such as amputations, blindness, kidney failure, and early mortality - people living with diabetes die on average 10 years earlier than those without. In 2020-2021, diabetes complications cost the government $2.3 billion, while individuals face higher rates of depression, increased medication costs, and a lower quality of life.
The program: T2:D
The United Kingdom’s DiRECT research trial, using a 12-week very low-calorie diet, showed that type 2 diabetes can be reversed in people diagnosed within 6 years, with a 50% remission rate following a structured program of diet, food reintroduction, and maintenance.
$250,000 in funding from nib foundation will enable the DiRECT Trial protocol to be adapted for the Australian community in partnership with RACGP. It will draw on a network of accredited exercise physiologists in partnership with general practices to sustainably deliver the T2:D program.
The T2:D program will support a shared protocol between accredited exercise physiologists and general practices. This novel approach will be implemented in an exercise physiologist practice, allowing a full evaluation of resource utilisation to better understand time commitments and develop a business case for other practices.
The impact
The T2:D diabetes remission program aims to reach newly diagnosed people with diabetes across Australia in a sustainable way. The research team are hoping to replicate the outcomes of the DiRECT trial, with a greater than 50% remission of diabetes.
The program empowers individuals to manage their diet and physical activity and live without diabetes. After completion, participants can re-engage with the program as needed for continued support. If successful, this program has the potential to capture an underutilised national workforce of exercise physiologists to deliver it to more people on an ongoing basis.
Looking to learn more about Australian General Practice Research Foundation?
Check out Australian General Practice Research Foundation's website to find out more.