The University of Queensland and Griffith University have partnered with Health and Wellbeing Queensland to deliver a program that will tackle Logan's rising rates of type 2 diabetes.
The program, named Logan Healthy Living, will look to address the mental, emotional and social challenges faced by people living with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The $3.3 million project will be led by allied health professionals from the UQ Health Care program, a not-for-profit primary care, clinical innovation and research organisation, and will be supported by students from UQ as well as Griffith.
Health and Wellbeing Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said the program will aim to ease the growing pressure on Logan Hospital as rates of type 2 diabetes soar in Logan.
"Potentially preventable hospitalisations due to type 2 diabetes complications in Logan are nearly 40 per cent higher than the national average," she said.
"Our vision is to stem this tide of chronic disease to protect the future health of Logan's people and health system. We're excited to see initial results suggest this program has the potential to change lives."
UQ Health Care started Logan Healthy Living as a response to Logan's worsening health statistics.
"We cannot afford for these figures to worsen. That's why we're investing $2 million in an innovative, evidence-based program that offers care where it is needed most," Dr Littlewood said.
The program involves diabetes education, goal setting, dietary advice and supervised exercise using HUR technology designed to deliver improvements to patient's quality of life by allowing for simple and safe movement.
Logan Healthy Living Clinic Manager, Harmonee Dove, said the project will strengthen patients' support networks by connecting them to community resources that promote healthy living.
"Whether it's salsa dancing or a community support group, if it can motivate or empower clients on their longer-term journey, Logan Healthy Living facilitates that introduction," said Ms Dove.
Following completion of the intensive eight-week program, participants will continue to receive support in the form of 'recharge sessions', offered at one, three, six and nine month intervals.
Data from the program's pilot showed that 86 per cent of participants reported lower levels of distress in living with and managing their diabetes.