What is diabetes?
When someone has diabetes, their body cannot maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to complications that have a significant impact on quality of life. At The Wesley Hospital, our team of diabetes educators are here to help you and your family self-manage your diabetes effectively and prevent complications. The team will provide you and your family or carer with information, support and motivation to make sure you feel empowered to manage your condition.
A credentialled diabetes educator is available to provide consultations for:
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes mellitus.
- National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) registration.
- Pump start-ups.
- Help with blood glucose monitoring.
- Insulin initiation.
There are multiple benefits to the safe and effective management of diabetes, including improvement in your overall health and bodily function.
- Reduced risk: Studies have shown that people with Type 1 diabetes who checked blood sugar levels four or more times a day – and adjusted their medicines, diet and exercise based on their readings – had a lower risk for eye disease, kidney problems, nerve damage and high cholesterol levels (a major risk factor for heart disease).
- Blood-sugar control: Weight-control strategies can assist if you have Type 2 diabetes. Effective weight loss and regular exercise in overweight patients with Type 2 will deliver an improvement in long-term blood sugar control.
- Blood glucose levels: Advice on diet, including increasing fibre intake, linked with an effective, aerobic exercise program has been shown to deliver a lowering in blood glucose levels among patients with Type 2.
There are different types of diabetes, conditions which may have their roots in genetics, modern lifestyle or pregnancy. The Wesley Diabetes Service is here to assess, advise, support and otherwise assist in your diabetes management.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Different factors, including genetics and some viruses, may contribute to Type 1. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is the most common and occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to help control your blood glucose. Too much glucose stays in your blood rather than reaching your cells for use as energy. Type 2 occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, diet and cholesterol, and being physically active, are part of your diabetes management.
Gestational diabetes mellitus
Gestational diabetes mellitus is diagnosed when higher-than-normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy, usually around 24 to 28 weeks. Most women will no longer have diabetes after the baby is born but some will continue to have high blood glucose levels after delivery. Gestational diabetes can often be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity, but you may need medication (such as metformin) and/or insulin injections to help manage your condition.
Contact us
To make an appointment to see one of our diabetes educators, call 0418 902 755 or complete the form below.