In 2009, the Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children in Perth identified a need to develop new resources and strategies to provide education for children at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The incidence of this condition in Aboriginal children is higher than the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children and the age of onset is typically earlier than for their non-Indigenous peers.

An important, but not the only, risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes in youth is overweight or obesity - a problem that affects 1 in 4 children.  Obesity in childhood is also a risk factor for obesity in adulthood and the associated development of other conditions such as hypertension, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Following early fieldwork in the Kimberley region of W.A., and consultations with health and education professionals, it became obvious that it would be important to develop a prevention education strategy with a broader public health component. It was also evident that the concept should ideally be introduced in childhood with flexibility for age and academic ability.

The Metabolic Symphony Program was developed to provide children, teenagers and adults with foundation education about their metabolism and the principle of energy balance, and to encourage a deeper understanding, and ownership, of healthy lifestyle choices including nutrition and physical exercise.

The Program uses numeracy and literacy activities, scientific experiments, music and drama exercises and purpose-built card games to engage students from 5 – 15 years. The content aligns with the national Australian curriculum and has been adapted for Indigenous students.  The program is the only one of its kind in the world.

It has been successfully trialled at both mainstream and Indigenous primary and high schools including Bayulu Community School in Fitzroy Crossing and Moorditj Noongar Community College in Perth. PMH and Metabolic Symphony maintain a close collaborative relationship with the Unity of First People of Australia (UFPA) who provide a diabetes prevention program for Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley region of WA.