The scourge of type 2 diabetes in generations of Wellington families is being tackled by a pilot program called Winya Marang.
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It is targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and groups in the town, with information sessions creating interest.
Not-for-profit and registered charity Marathon Health is running Winya Marang in a bid to "break the intergenerational cycle of type 2 diabetes".
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It is working with Western Sydney University to measure "how useful it is to work with family groups to break the cycle of diabetes".
Indigenous Australians are reported to be three times more likely to develop diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians.
They are more likely to experience diabetes-related complications and go to hospital.
Winya Marang aims to change the statistics through a "whole-of-family or group" approach to managing diabetes.
Families and groups eligible to be part of the program must have at least one member diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Marathon Health staff including diabetes educators, dietitians and Aboriginal health workers are supporting families and groups in creating plans.
The plans may provide help in managing the disease, cooking, shopping on a budget, quitting smoking, understanding medicines, foot care, eye care, ways to be more active and sugar monitoring.
Marathon Health senior diabetes educator Alison Amor said its was becoming more common to see type 2 diabetes diagnosed in younger generations including teenagers.
"Through Winya Marang, we're hoping that we can see whole families change their perspectives towards their health and self care," she said.
"There are excellent role models within the community and we would like to see people learning from each other about the health issues that are really important to them."
Marathon Health Aboriginal health worker Annette Peachey has reported of a "great response" to the program.
"We've had two information days and since spending the time building rapport with the communities, we've noticed participants are enthused, they're excited about the program and asking questions," she said. "It's really great to see."
For more information, visit www.marathonhealth.com.au/winya-marang.
The federal Department of Health is funding the program.
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