16 November 2009

People with type 2 diabetes and their families can now learn more about their medicines in the comfort of their homes following the launch of an educational DVD produced by Diabetes TASMANIA and the National Prescribing Service (NPS).

The DVD was launched today by Minister for Workplace Relations and community-based representative for the United Nations, Lisa Singh. The launch follows World Diabetes Day which this year focused on education and prevention.

Diabetes TASMANIA’s CEO, Caroline Wells, said there is a great need for improved availability of educational tools to assist people managing chronic diseases.

“In Tasmania alone, more than 18,800 people have type 2 diabetes. Some of the key concepts of managing type 2 diabetes and related medicines are not easy to understand, especially for older members of the population and people whose first language is not English,” Ms Wells said.

“A DVD such as this can act as a significant method of improving the understanding of important concepts,” she added.

The DVD comprises 11 topics covering key information to help people manage type 2 diabetes. Each individual topic has been made available on the Diabetes TASMANIA and NPS websites so people can view each segment at their leisure.

NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes, said education is at the heart of diabetes management and it is imperative patients and their families understand the importance of medicines use in managing the disease.

“NPS chose to fund this project because education about appropriate medicines use is a core part of our business. Partnerships with community organisations such as Diabetes TASMANIA are integral to achieving improved health outcomes of all Australians,” Dr Weekes said.

“This educational resource will have an ongoing use into the future and by making it available online and in other languages we can ensure anyone who needs to know this information has access to it.”

The DVD segments are available www.diabetestas.com.au and www.nps.org.au/type2diabetes. Health professionals and community organisations can order hard copies of the DVD from Diabetes TASMANIA on (03) 6215 9000.

ENDS

The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for quality use of medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.