A guide to diabetes management with The COACH Program®

Published February 2026 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Tracy Leung, HCF Health Coach and pharmacist
Words by Angela Tufvesson

Effective diabetes management starts with the right support. The COACH Program^® offers personalised guidance so you can take control of your condition.

With more than 300 Australians developing diabetes every day, it’s one of our biggest health challenges. More than 1.3 million, or one in 20, people are now living with diabetes, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – though other sources say these figures could be much higher. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is particularly concerning, with almost 1.2 million Australians living with the condition in 2021 – although the true number is likely higher because many cases go undiagnosed.

Ongoing high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes can lead to worrying complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye disease and foot ulcers. That’s why it’s so important to have a diabetes management plan that promotes healthy habits and helps prevent complications.

At HCF, we’re here to help you manage diabetes, or reduce your risk. One way we do this is through The COACH Program^® – a telephone support program provided at no extra cost for eligible members with diabetes or heart conditions^*, to help you build healthy habits to improve your heart health and support overall diabetes management.

What is The COACH Program^®?

The COACH Program^® supports and empowers you to manage type 2 diabetes or a heart condition.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, as it often involves significant lifestyle changes, and that’s where The COACH Program^® can provide valuable support for people living with type 2 diabetes.

The program is designed to help you improve your health and covers eight risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, nutrition, weight, alcohol, physical activity and smoking.

You’ll be teamed with one of our own trained dietitians, exercise physiologists, nurses or pharmacists. They’ll work with you and your GP through a four- to six-month phone coaching program to improve your health in areas like diet, exercise habits and medication management. Your coach will help you work towards reaching the guideline-recommended targets for your health risk factors.

How does The COACH Program^® work?

The COACH Program^® gives you access to up to six phone coaching sessions that will help you:

• find any gaps in the management of your health against Australian recommended guidelines
• build a personalised heart or diabetes management plan
• understand and manage your medication
• control risk factors like your weight
• develop a healthy approach to nutrition
• safely increase your daily physical activity
• ultimately improve your overall health and wellbeing.

“We have around one phone call per month over the six-month period,” explains HCF Health Coach and pharmacist Tracy Leung.

“Initially, we’ll chat about risk factors relating to diabetes like cholesterol levels and blood pressure, along with kidney health and other diabetes complications. We’ll also discuss healthy habits like keeping active, maintaining a healthy weight and healthy diet tips like choosing lower glycaemic index foods.”

Tracy says after the first one or two sessions people often identify lifestyle changes they would like to make, like improving diet or exercise habits. She says The COACH Program^® is effective because it keeps people accountable: “Monthly check-ins help you stay on track.”

The COACH Program^® works alongside advice and treatment plans from your doctor and won't replace them – think of it as an extra helping hand to care for yourself. “HCF Health Coaches often have more time to answer questions and suggest strategies to help people stay motivated and on track. People find this really helpful,” says Tracy.

Who’s eligible for The COACH Program^®?

You might be eligible^* if you're an HCF member and have:

• a heart-related condition or diabetes (clinical eligibility applies)
• had HCF hospital cover for at least 12 months that includes heart conditions and vascular system (excluding Ambulance Only Cover, Accident Only Basic Cover and Overseas Visitors Health Cover).

If this sounds like you and you’d like more information on getting started, fill in our registration form.

If you’re not eligible, there are other health programs and services that could support you, including with free or discounted access for eligible HCF members. These include the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet^{^} – which combines a high-protein, low-GI eating plan with exercise and proven weight management tools to help improve habits and create lifelong positive behaviours – and the HCF Heart and Diabetes Health Check, delivered by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, at selected locations and dates⁺.

Plus, the HCF Healthful app gives you access to a personalised Health Score, evidence-based health programs, real-time health and wellbeing tracking, goal setting and a 24/7 digital coach^#.

Success stories from The COACH Program^®

The COACH Program^® isn’t just another diet – it’s about improving your overall health and reducing your risk of having more health issues down the track. 

Joseph Oroszvari says his coach helped him improve his exercise habits. "Now in the gym, I stretch first up, then I get on my stationary bike, use the cross trainer and treadmill, and I do a little bit of boxing,” he explains. “And I've got a spin class every Wednesday morning at 6am.”

Some days, 79-year-old Joseph does upwards of 25,000 steps a day. He says the advice from his coach also means he eats better, sleeps better and feels stronger. "That’s what The COACH Program^® does; it encourages you to push yourself a little,” says Joseph.

Another member mentions similar benefits. “Our sessions have been fantastic and [my coach] provided me with insights in terms of making lifestyle changes. She made me think and put into practice what I've learnt.

“I've got into a better routine – I'm now thinking about what I'm eating, I'm increasing my activity level and reducing my alcohol intake. It's such a great program.”

The ease of participating in The COACH Program^® is noted by another member. “It's been very helpful to have someone else monitoring my progress and care, and it's great to know what to ask the doctors and to be able to have better conversations with them.”

Another member says: “The materials you have given have made it easier to make changes.”

Building healthy habits that last

Tracy says lifestyle changes play an important role in diabetes management. She recommends the following tips when creating healthy habits.

• Set smaller, realistic goals. “While it's good to have a bigger goal, breaking it down into smaller chunks can help to keep you motivated and mean you’re less likely to give up,” she says. If you’re looking to move more, Tracy suggests starting with walking once or twice a week and gradually increasing the frequency. For diet, she says simple swaps can help, like snacking on nuts or yoghurt instead of sweet biscuits.
• Accept setbacks. “Sometimes people feel frustrated if they're not on track, and that all their work has gone down the drain,” says Tracy. “It's common to encounter challenges and setbacks. Try to focus on staying positive and finding ways to overcome the challenges and help you get back on track.”

Get support through our health programs

We know the majority of premature heart disease and stroke cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviours. That’s why we're expanding our range of preventive health programs for eligible members managing chronic conditions, like heart conditions and diabetes.

Sign up to learn more about The COACH Program^® and get started here.