Transforming diabetes and metabolic health with Aboriginal people living on Ngarrindjeri Country: Insights from the co-designed Nra:gi Ya:yun healthy eating initiative
1
Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Kaurna Yerta, Adelaide, Australia
2
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, South Australia Health, Ngarrindjeri Ruwe, Murray Bridge, Australia
3
Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, Ngarrindjeri Ruwe, Murray Bridge, Australia
4
Coorong Medical Centre, Ngarrindjeri Ruwe, Meningie, Australia
5
School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Gadigal, Sydney, Australia
6
The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Gadigal, Sydney, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome remain disproportionately high in Indigenous communities. In 2022, prompted by the lived experience of Aboriginal people living on Ngarrindjeri Country in rural South Australia, a strengths-based, community-led pilot project was initiated between senior Aboriginal community members, university researchers, clinicians and health workers. The objective was to improve community metabolic health by supporting participants to adopt low carbohydrate healthy eating.
METHODS:
Following 10 co-design workshops, a 28 week pilot program entitled Nra:gi Ya:yun (“very good food”) was developed. Components included point of care testing, subsidised healthy ingredients, health coaching, and regular community gatherings. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted to assess initiative feasibility and preliminary metabolic outcomes. The latter was assessed using weekly check-is where participant biomarkers were recorded such as body weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profiles. Feasibility was assessed using retention and adherence rates, accompanied by group evaluation yarns.
RESULTS:
Nra:gi Ya:yun achieved a 77% retention rate. Preliminary analysis indicates variable metabolic outcomes by participant however positive trajectories were noted in several indicators. Group evaluation yarns were attended by 17 participants. Qualitative findings reveal that the Nra:gi Ya:yun pilot fostered a deepened sense of community connection, enhanced confidence and ownership over health journeys, with benefits shared beyond participants themselves.
CONCLUSIONS:
Evaluation findings from this Indigenous-led initiative will offer valuable insights into community-led, strengths-based approaches to metabolic health. Group-based activities and community support were consistently highlighted as paramount to the program’s success.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome remain disproportionately high in Indigenous communities. In 2022, prompted by the lived experience of Aboriginal people living on Ngarrindjeri Country in rural South Australia, a strengths-based, community-led pilot project was initiated between senior Aboriginal community members, university researchers, clinicians and health workers. The objective was to improve community metabolic health by supporting participants to adopt low carbohydrate healthy eating.
METHODS:
Following 10 co-design workshops, a 28 week pilot program entitled Nra:gi Ya:yun (“very good food”) was developed. Components included point of care testing, subsidised healthy ingredients, health coaching, and regular community gatherings. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted to assess initiative feasibility and preliminary metabolic outcomes. The latter was assessed using weekly check-is where participant biomarkers were recorded such as body weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profiles. Feasibility was assessed using retention and adherence rates, accompanied by group evaluation yarns.
RESULTS:
Nra:gi Ya:yun achieved a 77% retention rate. Preliminary analysis indicates variable metabolic outcomes by participant however positive trajectories were noted in several indicators. Group evaluation yarns were attended by 17 participants. Qualitative findings reveal that the Nra:gi Ya:yun pilot fostered a deepened sense of community connection, enhanced confidence and ownership over health journeys, with benefits shared beyond participants themselves.
CONCLUSIONS:
Evaluation findings from this Indigenous-led initiative will offer valuable insights into community-led, strengths-based approaches to metabolic health. Group-based activities and community support were consistently highlighted as paramount to the program’s success.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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