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Medibank is piloting a program to help members
living with type 2 diabetes
As part of our purpose to achieve better health for better lives, we’re helping our eligible members with type 2 diabetes to manage, or even reverse, their condition via a new dietitian-led, weight-management program called Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program.
Developed together with leading medical research groups The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Austin Health, the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program is based on evidence1,2 that shows remission from type 2 diabetes is possible via a weight management program.
Watch Michael talk about his experience with the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program
As part of the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program, you’ll receive:
Tailored care program
Care plans are tailored according to your weight loss goals and managed by a trained dietitian.
Consultations with a dedicated team of dietitians
Up to 10 video consultations with an experienced dietitian who has specialist knowledge in type 2 diabetes and weight loss over 12 months.
Everything you need for the program
Information about how to best manage type 2 diabetes, as well as practical aids such as weight scales, measuring tapes, food shopping guide and a cookbook.
Meal replacements
Up to 18 weeks of meal replacements delivered to you at no extra cost.

The program is available regardless of where you live, meaning eligible members can participate from the comfort and safety of their home. There is no charge or enrolment fee to participate in the program. However, if you consult your own GP or specialist as part of routine diabetic check-ups during the program, there may be a cost if they don't bulk bill.
Eligibility for the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program

If you answer YES to the following questions, you may be eligible to participate in the program:
- Are you a Medibank member with hospital cover that includes diabetes management?
- Are you between 18-70 years of age?
- Were you diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years?
- Are you above a healthy weight (is your BMI > 27)?
- Can you access a telephone and the internet?

Not everyone will be suitable for the program, you won’t be eligible if you:
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Are currently using insulin to manage your diabetes
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are booked in for/have had bariatric surgery

Check your eligibility today
To find out more and to see if you might be eligible, call us on 1300 733 338 (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm AEST) or email Health.Programs@medibank.com.au.
Frequently asked questions


Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when the body either cannot properly use the insulin it produces (known as insulin resistance) or it does not produce enough insulin.3
Generally, when we eat, our bodies convert glucose (sugar) into energy, which is done by a hormone called insulin. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, this conversion doesn’t happen because their bodies are resistant to insulin. This means glucose (sugar) stays in the blood, rather than moving to the cells to be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels, as high blood glucose levels over time can cause damage to various parts of the body. These are known as diabetes complications and can include heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and lower limb amputation.4
Excess weight increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes In Australia, 2 in 3 (67%) people are above a healthy weight (classified as overweight/obese) and this is a trend that has been steadily increasing over time. More than half of all type 2 diabetes cases are due to overweight or obesity.5
The good news is that reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, can decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And for those with type 2 diabetes, reducing body weight (even by a small amount) can decrease diabetes symptoms and ensure that blood sugar levels are better controlled.6
Research from the UK has shown the progression of type 2 diabetes can be reversed with lifestyle changes, such as being more active and following a tailored nutrition program.
According to one trial, which offered an intensive weight-loss program for people with type 2 diabetes, 46% of those who participated had their type 2 diabetes in remission after one year.1,2
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia7 and has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Australians. Fortunately, the condition is manageable.8
Together with leading experts from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Austin Health, we hope to reduce the occurrence of diabetes-related complications through supporting eligible customers to lose weight, increase physical activity and maintain a healthy weight so that they can live healthier and happier lives.
To be eligible you must:
- Hold resident hospital cover that includes diabetes management on policy;
- 18 – 70 years of age
- Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (ideally within the previous 6 years)
- Not using insulin to manage your diabetes
- Be above a healthy weight (is your BMI > 27)
- Be able to access a telephone and the internet
- Meet some other clinical criteria:
- Do not have type 1 diabetes
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Not booked in/have had bariatric surgery
We will ensure that your GP is comfortable with your participation ahead of program delivery to ensure that your care is coordinated.
There is no charge or enrolment fee to participate in the program. However, if you consult your own GP or specialist in the course of the program, there may be a cost if they don’t bulk bill. Whether you choose to participate or not, there will be no adverse impact on your Medibank membership or your premiums.
Interested in assessing your eligibility? Contact a Member Health Services Officer on 1300 733 338 (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm AEST) or email Health.Programs@medibank.com.au.
References
1. The Lancet. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial (2018). Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)33102-1/fulltext
2. BMJ Open. Doctor Referral of Overweight People to a Low-Energy Treatment (DROPLET) in primary care using total diet replacement products: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Retrieved from https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/8/e016709
3. The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Retrieved from https://baker.edu.au/
4. Better Health Channel. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Overweight and obesity: an interactive insight (2019). Retrived from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity/overweight-and-obesity-an-interactive-insight/contents/what-is-overweight-and-obesity
6. Diabetes Australia. Managing type 2. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-type-2
7. Diabetes Australia. Diabetes in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia
8. Diabetes Australia. Type 2 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes
Things you should know
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).
Acknowledgements
The resources used in this program have been adapted from Better Knee, Better Me, a program developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne.
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