New commissioned service to help patients manage diabetes in Strathpine and surrounds

Commissioned by Brisbane North PHN, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Diabetes Program is being delivered by Healthy Lifestyles Australia in its new Strathpine clinic and involves coordinated access to a team of allied health professionals, including podiatrists, diabetes educators, dietitians and exercise physiologists.

Through structured education and supervised exercise, the program focuses on building confidence in people with diabetes in self-management, improving lifestyle habits and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications through tailored, patient-centred care with support from their GP.

As patients progress through the program, they are introduced to additional supports including supervised group exercise, hydrotherapy and group education, tailoring care to evolve with their needs.

This flexible approach enables patients to engage at their own pace, build confidence in a supportive, non-judgemental clinical environment and connect with others with a lived experience, fostering a sense of community. Over time, health outcomes improve and patients become more motivated, confident and better equipped to manage their diabetes long term.

Brisbane North PHN Program Lead Kristal Grainger said allied health professionals play a vital role in keeping patients well and supported in their community.

‘Research shows that MDT care improves health outcomes, particularly for patients with chronic conditions,’ Kristal said.

‘This allied health-led MDT program is empowering participants to self-manage their diabetes—leading to positive, sustainable outcomes and improvements in quality of life.’

While officially opened today in an event attended by PHN staff, Healthy Lifestyles Australia, community members and other key partners, the program has been operational for some months, with positive feedback from allied health practitioners and patients already.

Lizzie, a podiatrist in the program, said, ‘This program is changing the trajectory of patients’ lives, particularly for those who would otherwise miss out on essential allied health care’.

Michelle, a diabetes educator, said, ‘By improving self-management and early intervention, this program is helping prevent avoidable deterioration and reducing presentations to acute and emergency care settings’.

Patients have reported that the program ‘has been very helpful’ and is helping them on the way to success with losing weight.

Another said, ‘If I had learnt what I know now before [my diagnosis], I am 100 per cent sure I would not have [Type] 2 diabetes’.

Eligible patients can access the program through an eligible GP practice at no cost and there is no current wait time. Alternatively, patients can access services through bulk billed GP Chronic Condition Management Plans where appropriate.

Those who may benefit from referral include:

• people with pre-diabetes, Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes who require additional education or lifestyle support
• people who require supervised exercise within a safe, supportive clinical environment
• those who want to build confidence in self-management of diabetes and improve their health
• people with complex or ongoing needs that would benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary allied health support to manage their diabetes.

Healthy Lifestyles Australia is currently welcoming referrals. The new Strathpine clinic is located at Healthy Lifestyles Australia – 2/387 Gympie Road, Strathpine and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am–4.30 pm. The clinic can be contacted on 07 5306 9500.

For more information on the program, please visit the Healthy Lifestyles Australia website.

Picture, top of page: Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) CEO Katie Lyndon (L) with Brisbane North PHN and Healthy Lifestyles Australia staff at the official opening of the clinic on 23 April 2026.