Detect
Around one in four adults aged 25+ years remain undiagnosed for type 2 diabetes
One in 4 adults aged 25+ years remain undiagnosed for type 2 diabetes.
Being male, living in rural and remote communities, and/or being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other ethnic backgrounds, substantially increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The good news is, Diabetes SA delivers community-based diabetes awareness, and risk assessment screening tests to high-risk populations across South Australia, helping people to detect diabetes and take prevention action earlier.
Making time to have a type 2 diabetes risk assessment and screening test saves lives!
Check out some of our work in community where we have used our evidenced-based two-step approach to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes!
In Partnership with Preventive Health SA and other local stakeholders, Diabetes SA to has developed and is implementing an evidence-based type 2 diabetes risk awareness and screening program aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of type 2 diabetes among multicultural populations in South Australia.
Diabetes rates are up to four times higher for Australia’s First Nations communities and around twice as high for people born overseas, compared to other people within Australia.
to detect type 2 diabetes early
Developed together with the community, this easy two-step screening program helps people understand their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. First, participants complete the quick 3-minute AUSDRISK survey, then a finger-prick blood test measures HbA1c, an indicator of blood glucose levels over the previous 3 months and whether they may have undiagnosed diabetes. The program offers people an opportunity to speak with a specialist diabetes educator to receive some culturally safe support, and practical resources to help with healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, and overall wellbeing and where to go in their local area to get ongoing support.
Reach & impact achieved in multicultural communities in FY25/26
*25% where identified through a HbA1c point of care finger prick blood test and referred to a GP.
In the words of participants from Aboriginal and multicultural communities
“Amazing that this service is available in such easy access to community. Thank you!”
“Very useful information more than what the doctor tells you.”
“Great service, thanks”
“Got better understanding about diabetes and how to reduce my risk”
“Event, Very good explanation and quick testing”
“Health Fair/ this was great. Glad to know that I am medium risk + to keep doing what I am doing to stay healthy. Great staff, very helpful.”
Reaching men in a familiar, safe environment
Since 2020, Diabetes SA’s Men’s Shed Screening Initiative has demonstrated the power of community-based health promotion. Supported by the Masonic Charities Trust and the Freemasons SA & NT Health Promotion Fund, the initiative has successfully brough diabetes awareness, education, and screening directly to men in environments where they feel comfortable, connected and engaged.
By meeting men where they are already socially and physically active, the initiative has helped overcome many of the traditional barriers to healthcare access, encouraging conversations about health and supporting early detection of type 2 diabetes.
Investment in men’s health
Thanks to the ongoing support of the Masonic Charities Trust and the Freemasons SA & NT Health Promotion Fund, an investment of $600,000 over the last 5 years has enabled Diabetes SA to reach communities across South Australia.
Five years of impact in men
1,650 men have been screened
92 communities reached (72% in regional SA)
1 in 7 men were found to have undiagnosed prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and 77% of all men were found to be at high risk & referred to their local GP.
These findings reinforce the importance of early detection and highlight the value of taking health services directly into community settings.
Voices from Men’s Sheds
The impact of the program is best reflected in the words of the participants:
“Probably would not have done a test if Diabetes SA had not been here.” — Participant identified with previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes
“Men need reminders of risks, as it often takes time for it to sink in.”
“Bringing diabetes awareness to members of the Shed in a professional manner and following this up with testing enables members to get immediate feedback on their risk level.”
“It raised awareness of type 2 diabetes within the Shed’s group. Initiated discussion amongst us about our health.”
“Actually, getting a diabetes risk number.”
“It was great to be called in for a test in an appropriate way because I would otherwise have simply walked past and missed out. Thank you! The whole experience was good and useful.”
“Wasn’t on my radar to look into, but after being approached by a team member was glad for the experience.”
“Very informative and painless.”
“Great idea – quick to do and informative. Will check every year!”
“Great service for busy farmers!”
“Staff very helpful. Very convenient as the access to local doctors is quite difficult currently, simple testing then gets missed. Thank you for the service.”
“Great information. Super happy with my results but happy with details for husband.”
Learn how by using the online Factors and risk calculator – Diabetes SA
Diabetes SA remains committed to expanding this work, reaching more communities, and helping reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes across South Australia—one conversation, one screening, and one early diagnosis at a time.
August 2026 – Onkaparinga Council Area
October 2026 – Port Adelaide Enfield Council Area
November 1 2026 – Victoria Square – Multicultural Festival
