Diabetes Management

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of disorders and the 10th leading cause of deaths in Australia. There are four clinical classes of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Gestational diabetes mellitus
4. Other specific types of diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is growing, most likely the result of rising overweight and obesity rates, lifestyle and dietary changes, and an ageing population. Within 20 years, the number of people in Australia with type 2 diabetes may increase from an estimated 870,000 in 2014, to more than 2.5 million.

If left undiagnosed or poorly managed, type 2 diabetes can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations and blindness. The early identification and optimal management of people with type 2 diabetes is therefore critical. General practice has the central role in type 2 diabetes management across the spectrum, from identifying those at risk right through to caring for patients at the end of life.

Are you at risk of diabetes?

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• Being overweight – especially those who have excess weight around the waistline (ie: more than 94cm for men and more than 80cm for women).
• Being physically inactive.
• Having high triglycerides and low HDL-C (good cholesterol) and/or high total cholesterol.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease.

Other people at risk include:

• Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
• Women who have had diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or given birth to a big baby (more than 4.5kgs).
• Those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.
• Those from certain ethnic backgrounds such as the Pacific Islands, Asia and the Indian sub-continent.

If you think you may have diabetes, or be at risk of developing diabetes, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your situation.

People aged 40-49 years who are at high risk of diabetes are eligible for a Health Assessment.

Team-based, patient-centred diabetes care at GHFP

Comprehensive diabetes management is available at GHFP, according to the Australian National Diabetes Strategy. Your GP and practice support team provide a patient-centred approach to diabetes management, providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensures that patient values guide all clinical decisions and supports self management.

General Practitioners and Practice Nurses are skilled and experienced in managing diabetes.

Comprehensive diabetes care at GHFP includes:

• Regular (3-6 monthly) diabetes review appointments
• Care Plans and referrals to ensure appropriate and coordinated health care
• EPC (extended primary care) referrals to allied health (such as Diabetes Educator, Podiatrist, Optometrist, Exercise Physiologist, or Dietitian) as required
• Screening for complications of diabetes
• Management of co-existing health problems

What will happen at your Diabetes Review appointment?

At your Diabetes Review appointment you will see one of our Practice Nurses and your GP.

• You will be asked about lifestyle factors such as eating habits, diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other aspects of mental and physical health.
• Measurements (such as blood pressure, weight and waist circumference) will be taken.
• Special tests will be arranged (such as blood tests, and urine tests for protein).
• Referrals for allied health and specialist consultation will be arranged.
• Appropriate management for your diabetes will be provided in the context of your individual situation and preferernces, and may include lifestyle modification, oral medications, and injectable medications.
• Arrangements for ongoing follow-up will be made.