The Victorian government launched the $3.6 million 4000 For Health study, an Australian-first study aimed at fighting diabetes and heart disease. The study will involve detailed health checks and interviews of 4000 Victorians living in 50 randomly selected neighborhoods. Participants will visit local test centers for medical checks and submit samples to collect data on factors like kidney disease and vitamin levels. They will also complete surveys on exercise, diet, and participate in dietary recall interviews. The results of the study, to be released by the end of 2010, will be used to inform future chronic disease prevention programs in Victoria. The goal is to help reduce cases of heart disease and diabetes in the community.

1. Media contact: Jason Frenkel 9651 5799 / 0438 361 865 www.premier.vic.gov.au
Media releaseFrom the Minister for Health
Thursday, 30 April, 2009
AUSTRALIAN-FIRST STUDY FIGHTS DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE
A select group of Victorians will be asked to back the fight against heart disease and diabetes
when the Brumby Government’s $3.6 million 4000 For Health study goes live this week.
Joined by AFL coaching legend Kevin Sheedy, Health Minister Daniel Andrews today launched
the Australian-first 4000 for Health: the State of our Wellbeing study at the Baker IDI Heart and
Diabetes Institute in Prahran.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to reduce the impact of chronic disease in the
Victorian community,” Mr Andrews said.
“This study could provide new tools to beat heart disease and diabetes – but only if 4000
Victorians accept the invitation to sign up to take part. 4000 for Health is unlike any public health
project undertaken in Australia because it will engage such a huge number of people in both
detailed physical health checks and interview-based research.
“The study’s success depends entirely on 4000 Victorians agreeing to take part. As we speak
field researchers are starting to doorknock homes in target neighbourhoods around Victoria. If
you get the knock on the door, and you or a member of your family meets the study criteria,
please say yes.”
More than 20,000 Victorians have Type 1 diabetes, and over 230,000 live with Type 2 diabetes.
A further 15,000 Victorians are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year.
Mr Andrews said the Brumby Government was committed to preventing chronic disease and
reducing the number of people living with heart disease and diabetes.
“The 4000 for Health study will help us do just that. It is a vital step in halting the increase of
heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in our community,” he said.
“The study will be undertaken by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. The result of the
study will be a vast database of health and lifestyle information – a first for Victoria and
Australia.”
Mr Andrews said volunteers for 4000 For Health needed to live in one of the 50 randomly-
selected target neighbourhoods, be aged between 18 and 75, and fit other study criteria.
“Each volunteer will visit a local test centre for a complete medical check, and to submit a blood
and urine sample which will provide data on a range of factors including kidney disease, folate
and vitamin D levels – information that has never been comprehensively collected in this
country,” he said.
“Before leaving the test centre participants will also complete a ‘risk factor survey’ assessing
exercise levels and dietary habits. Then, on three occasions at intervals of about two weeks,
each participant will be phoned for a detailed ‘dietary recall’ interview.”
Results of the study will be compiled in two reports, one on cardiovascular health and the other
on diabetes, to be released by the end of 2010.

2. Media contact: Jason Frenkel 9651 5799 / 0438 361 865 www.premier.vic.gov.au
Mr Andrews said the results would be used to inform future policy and chronic disease
prevention programs in Victoria.
“In Victoria diabetes complications represent the highest number of preventable hospitalisations.
We all recognise that with industrialisation, urbanisation and computerisation have come
changes to how we eat, move and work, which has seen increased levels of obesity, heart
disease and diabetes in our community.”
Mr Andrews said Victoria had a proud history in the fields of innovation and health research.
“The Brumby Government also remains committed to the diverse range of programs such as the
$150 million Go for your Life that promote active and healthy living in our schools, homes and
communities,” he said.