Published: 11 March, 2026 Diabetes affects First Nations communities at disproportionately high rates. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians, and their risk of diabetes-related death is around four times higher. As a health professional, you can help turn these stark statistics around. By providing clinical expertise and culturally responsive care, you can empower First Nations Peoples to live well with diabetes. Supporting health professionals and First Nations communities Through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), you can access free, evidence-based, culturally relevant resources to support you in caring for First Nations people living with diabetes. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support people with diabetes is to ensure they are registered with the NDSS. As an authorised health professional, you can use the NDSS Health Professional Portal to quickly register people in your care. They can then access free services, support, and subsidised products such as blood glucose monitoring strips. Breaking down barriers to improve health First Nations people often face barriers to healthcare including: historical mistrust non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as food insecurity cultural misunderstandings. There are also aspects of diabetes management that can be more challenging for First Nations Peoples, particularly those living in rural or remote communities. This includes reduced access to expensive technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors. NDSS resources are available that combine health information with culturally appropriate frameworks, such as yarning. This approach aligns with best practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare, and respects cultural knowledge and lived experience. Practical tools for culturally safe diabetes care The NDSS website offers a variety of resources developed with and for First Nations Peoples. Diabetes Yarning: This handbook and online series for people with diabetes will help you engage in meaningful conversations about diabetes using yarning, an integral part of First Nations cultures for sharing knowledge and understanding. The NDSS further supports local health services by organising community education events, such as yarning circles, and through the NDSS Helpline (1800 637 700). Foot Forward: Foot care is an essential part of diabetes management. Unfortunately, Australia has a high rate of diabetes-related lower limb amputations, especially for First Nations Peoples. The Foot Forward training package for health professionals provides practical tools, such as risk assessment checklists for the prevention, early identification, and treatment of foot complications related to diabetes. It includes free e-learning modules focused specifically on caring for people with diabetes-related foot disease. eLearning modules on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Use these free, flexible online modules for health professionals to help build and tailor your diabetes care skills for diverse cultural contexts. The modules show you how to hold effective health conversations, encourage healthier choices, recognise stigma in diabetes care, and contribute to positive change. Strengthening capacity, respect and empowerment Help close the gap. Explore the NDSS resources to strengthen your capacity to support your First Nations clients living with diabetes. Using these practical tools, you can confidently embed culturally safe and respectful practices into your diabetes care, ultimately improving health outcomes for First Nations communities.
