The challenge

Diabetes is a significant health challenge in remote communities, where access to healthcare can be limited and health outcomes are often worse than in the broader population.

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According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, diabetes has a significant health and economic impact in Australia, costing Australia's health system more than $4 billion each year. In remote communities, the burden is even greater, increasing the risk of serious complications including heart disease, kidney disease and premature death.

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Improving diabetes care has the potential to transform individual health outcomes while strengthening the wellbeing of entire communities.

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Project overview 

Researchers are testing a new approach to diabetes care designed specifically for remote communities. The IMPROVE SUGAR study is a national cluster-randomised trial evaluating an intensive diabetes management model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults living with inadequately controlled Type 2 diabetes. The model combines culturally appropriate care, intensive lifestyle support and treatment with tirzepatide, a once-weekly medication.

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Across five states and ten communities, 260 participants will be divided into standard and intensive care groups. The trial aims to determine whether this approach can improve blood sugar control, reduce diabetes-related complications and provide a sustainable model of care that can be adopted more broadly across remote communities.

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The role of philanthropy

Funding from Hearts & Minds, as nominated by TDM Growth Partners, has helped Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute undertake critical early-stage activities, including community engagement, research collaborations, ethics approvals, and the recruitment of staff and participants. The study is now underway, with Site Initiation Visits successfully completed at Bidgerdii Rockhampton and Blackwater. These milestones pave the way for participant recruitment and trial delivery across participating communities.

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What this could unlock

This project has the potential to reshape diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in regional and remote Australia. By testing a more accessible and culturally appropriate model of care, the research could reduce complications, improve quality of life and support better long-term health outcomes. The findings will provide important evidence to guide future diabetes treatment and care in remote communities across Australia. Closing the gap in health outcomes and life expectancy is, and always has been, the driving force behind this work.

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Funding support from Hearts & Minds, as nominated by Core Fund Manager, TDM Growth Partners. For further information visit Baker Hearts and Diabetes Institute. This content was last updated in July 2026.