BRIDGES

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Brussels/Clayton, Australia, May 14, 2008 - The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) BRIDGES translational research grant program will fund STOP Diabetes, a project to be implemented and studied in Australia. The STOP project is designed to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes in women by encouraging healthy behaviours.

The STOP Diabetes project was created by investigators at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health to address the alarming increase in lifestyle related metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes (GDM). According to the investigators, greater insights into these preventable diseases are needed in order to identify barriers to behaviour change so that unhealthy behaviours can be modified. The research will include attention to understanding women’s health beliefs, attitudes, and risk perception as well as their response to illness. Education and translation of the findings will be a priority for the project.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of the most dangerous risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Its early identification is very important to facilitate preventive action. Understanding how women perceive health problems like metabolic syndrome is a critical first step in designing educational programs that are effective.

“The IDF grant will make an important contribution in supporting multidisciplinary research directly relevant to clinical care (for the prevention and treatment of diabetes),” said Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Jean Hailes Research Group. “It will enable vital research into prevention of diabetes in high risk groups. It will also provide important information of optimising the health of those with established diabetes.”

The Federation, through BRIDGES, is committed to converting research findings into useful practices for the provision of quality care and services delivered by healthcare providers. The diabetes education program being tested in Australia, along with the 10 other selected translational research projects, was chosen because of its innovative idea, demonstration of the potential for health care cost savings, sustainability plans and the opportunity for its results to be widely replicated in other settings.

“We know that early detection followed by treatment and education—particularly lifestyle intervention—is vital to halt the progression of the metabolic syndrome and safeguard the future health of women”, said Dr. Linda Siminerio, Chair of the IDF BRIDGES Review Committee. “Learning more about how women perceive their risks in an important step. The STOP Diabetes study will help us gain insights and important information.”

The International Diabetes Federation independently manages the BRIDGES program with an educational grant from Eli Lilly and Company and is committed to promoting diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide.

**ENDS**

Media Contacts

• International Diabetes Federation, Kerrita McClaughlyn, Media Relations Manager, Email: media@idf.org Tel: +32-2-5431639; Mobile: +32 487 530 625.
• Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health, Mrs. Aleeza Zohar, Media Office, aleeza.zohar@jeanhailes.org.au