People with type one diabetes to benefit from OzDAFNE program at Toowoomba Hospital

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John Gasparotto has lived with type one diabetes for 45 years, he’s one of six people who’ve recently undertaken OzDAFNE training with Darling Downs Health.

DAFNE stands for Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating, known in Australia as OzDAFNE, it’s a comprehensive outpatient education program for adults with type one diabetes, equipping participants with the tools to self-manage their insulin doses.

“This course has been a god send to me; I wish it had been available when I was diagnosed 45 years ago.

“Back when I was diagnosed, the only treatment options for type one diabetes were a strict eating regime and insulin injections three times a day.

“Thanks to the OzDAFNE training, I now have a better understanding of how carbohydrate counting and using a combination of insulin can allow me to lead a more normal life.

“It’s really opened my eyes to how to better look after my health. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with type one diabetes and have the opportunity to complete the OzDAFNE training, do it,” Mr Gasparotto said.

Toowoomba Hospital is just the second regional health service in Queensland to gain OzDAFNE accreditation, meaning it’s now easier for Darling Downs residents to access the educational training locally.

Darling Downs Health Credential Diabetes Educator Elizabeth Henry said the training is currently being run twice a year.

“Following the five-day training program, we do a six-week, six month and 12 month follow up.

“Since participating, participants have reported a significant improvement in quality of life, reduced hypoglycaemia and general engagement with diabetes self-management. This also translates to a potential reduction in diabetes related hospital presentations.

“We’d love to be able to expand the program and take it to other rural centres within the Darling Downs so we can reach more people,”

Darling Downs Health Credential Diabetes Educator Elizabeth Henry

To find out more about the OzDAFNE program, people with type one diabetes should speak to their health professionals.