Diabetes Education

Diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood glucose levels. The most common form of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune condition whereby the insulin secreting cells of the pancreas are destroyed leading to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). People with Type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections. The age of diagnosis varies however it most commonly occurs in early childhood and adolescents years.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and typically commences with insulin resistance leading to hyperglycaemia. Treatment aims at reducing blood glucose levels with exercise and dietary changes then oral medication if needed.

Other forms of diabetes are Gestational Diabetes (GDM), Steroid Induced diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD).

All forms of diabetes require initial education and lots of support from a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. An Endocrinologist and Diabetes Educator are essential parts of any diabetes diagnosis.

A Diabetes Educator can assist with:

• Education regarding your diabetes diagnosis
• Equipment to help you manage your diabetes
• Ongoing support 
• Education on adjusting your insulin doses 
• Assistance with management of your blood glucose levels during illness, sport, stress, travel etc. 
• Advice and information on the newest technologies available to people with diabetes (Insulin pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
• Assistance in regaining hypo awareness
• Provide you with motivation or alternatives to current treatment if previously diagnosed and need to improve your HbA1c 
• Education regarding Insulin resistance
• Education and support to women with Gestational Diabetes or women with pre existing diabetes and pre pregnancy planning

The following practitioners at CPMG can be of service in Diabetes Education: