The diabetes team... Diabetes Australia

Home | Login or Become a Member

Sitemap

Latest News
Latest Research

07 July 2008

Low GI diet reduces cancer risk

A new Italian study says a low Glycemic Index diet may reduce the risk of developing cancer.

02 July 2008

Medicare item looks to prevention

The Federal Government has introduced a new Medicare item aimed at identifying people at high risk of type 2 diabetes and stopping the disease before it is diagnosed.

03 July 2008

Diabetes link for men whose sisters have PCOS

Men whose sisters have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

26 June 2008

People with type 1 satisfied with newer insulins

People with type 1 diabetes who take the newer insulin analogues report greater satisfaction and better quality of life.

Home > Living well with diabetes >

The diabetes team

Diabetes is a lifelong condition. There are times when people with diabetes need some extra advice, have questions or have problems they can’t manage on their own. It is reassuring to know that there are many specially trained professionals to assist people with diabetes to better health.

The team:

• You, the person with diabetes. You are the most important part of your team. Your family, friends and coworkers might be part of your team as well. It depends on you and your needs.

• Your family doctor often looks after your diabetes and referrals to other health professionals as needed. Your family doctor is often responsible for ordering your ongoing blood and other diabetes tests.

• An Endocrinologist or Diabetes specialist is a doctor who has done years of special training in diabetes. Many people with type 1 diabetes see an endocrinologist. People with type 2 diabetes may see an endocrinologist if they are having trouble with their diabetes management or if they are having other health problems impacting on their diabetes.

• A Diabetes Educator is usually a Registered Nurse who has done special training in diabetes. Educators can assist with teaching you about diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, medications, insulin, sick days, travel, stress and just about anything else. Click here to find a Diabetes Service in your area (NSW only).

• A Dietitian can answer questions about healthy eating for you and your family. To find a dietitian in your area first call your local diabetes service or contact the Dietitians Association of Australia on 1800 812 942.

• An Exercise Physiologist can help to develop a physical activity plan suitable for anyone - regardless of age, ability or disability.

• An Optometrist can do a diabetes eye check and a vision check. Some people with diabetes need to see an Ophthalmologist, a doctor with special training in diseases and problems with the eye.

• Podiatrists are health professionals who deal with the feet. Many podiatrists have advanced training in the ‘diabetic foot’. To help you find a podiatrist who has specialist training contact the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW) on (02) 9698 3751.

Sometimes people with diabetes have trouble coping with the day to day burden of their disease. Social workers, psychologists can help in this area. Your family doctor or diabetes educator can often refer you to these services.

Other specialists are sometimes needed. Children with diabetes may see a paediatrician or a paediatric endocrinologist. Women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy, who are pregnant or women who develop gestational diabetes usually see an obstetrician. If complications of diabetes are present, referral to other kinds of health professionals may be required.

For help

For assistance finding a diabetes health professional in your area or to speak to a diabetes educator, dietitian or exercise physiologist contact the Diabetes Australia Customer Care Line on 1300 136 588 during business hours.