Frequently asked questions

I have type 2 diabetes; can I call the Telephone-Linked Care (TLC) Diabetes system now?

Currently we are testing the impact of the TLC Diabetes system with groups of adults with type 2 diabetes. At this stage, the TLC system is only available to those who have been enrolled in the research studies.  If you live outside the South East corner of Queensland and are aged between 18 to 75 you may be eligible to enrol in the regional Queensland study. To find out more, do not hesitate to contact the TLC Diabetes team on 07 3636 5506 or email TLCdiabetes@coh.uq.edu.au. The research team will call you back to limit the cost of your call if calling STD.

Who can be involved in trialling the TLC Diabetes system?

Currently we are looking for people who:

• have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 3 months;
• live outside the South East corner of Queensland (on the mainland);
• are aged 18-75 years.

Some other criteria also apply.  If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the TLC Diabetes team.

What happens during a call to the TLC system?

Each time you call TLC, your conversation will be different.  TLC will ask you questions and remember your responses from previous calls, and give you specific advice based on your individual circumstances and experiences.  The system will also use your blood glucose results, sent to the TLC system by a simple device connected to the study glucose meter, to give you tailored feedback on your diabetes.  Throughout your calls to the TLC system you will hear information on a variety of topics such as nutrition, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring and medication taking.  The voice that you will hear is pre-recorded.

How often do I have to make a call to the TLC Diabetes system and how long will each call take?

If enrolled in the study and allocated to the group using the system, you will be encouraged to make weekly calls to the system, with each call lasting between 3-15 minutes.  All calls to the TLC system are via a free call number.

Does the TLC Diabetes system replace my Doctor?

No.  The TLC system is designed to support the care that you currently receive from your Doctor and other health professionals involved in your diabetes management.

Is information collected about me during a TLC Diabetes call kept private?

Yes.  All information that is collected about you is stored securely.  Each TLC user will have a unique password to access the system.  Your blood glucose readings are sent to a secure database and are only able to be identified by an ID number or the glucose meter number.

How do I find out more information about the TLC Diabetes project?

To find out more about being involved in the study please contact the TLC Diabetes team on 07 3636 5506 or TLCdiabetes@coh.uq.edu.au

If enrolled in the TLC Diabetes project can I speak to a real person if I need to?

You can leave a message during the call for someone from the team to return your call or can phone the research team (during business hours) on 07 3636 5506 for any questions about the system.  You may need to leave a message.  If you have any queries regarding symptoms or medical concerns the best person to contact is your treating medical practitioner. In case of emergency phone 000.

Can I call the TLC Diabetes system from anywhere in Australia, if I am on holidays and away from home for a period?

Yes, you will be able to make a call from wherever there is phone reception.

Can I continue participating in the study if I have surgery, or am prescribed new drugs?

In the event of these circumstances, it is important to notify the TLC research team.

Am I able to join other research studies after I have commenced participating in this study?

Usually no, but it would need to be discussed with the research team, as there may be some studies (such as observational studies) in which a person can participate without influencing the TLC study.