A University of Newcastle research team is sizing up Hunter men for a new program aimed at reducing the rising rates of type 2 diabetes.

Due to obesity rates, poor diet and low levels of exercise, type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia, with more than 1 million people already diagnosed with the condition and a further 275 developing the condition each day.*

The PULSE (Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Using LifeStyle Education) program - a lifestyle fitness and nutrition program designed specifically for men – will give participants the tools to get fit and healthy, reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers are calling for men between the ages of 18 and 65 who have a body mass index of 25 – 40 kg/m2. They must also pass a health-screening questionnaire and be able to attend four assessment sessions at the University, scheduled to begin in September 2012. Participants with diabetes are not eligible to participate in the program.

The project is funded by grants from the Hunter Medical Research Institute (The Lions Club and QR National).

The research team comprises Professors Robin Callister, Philip Morgan, Clare Collins and Ronald Plotnikoff and PhD candidate Elroy Aguiar from the University’s Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition.

HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District and the community.

* Source: Diabetes Australia