Diabetes Education Service

What is Diabetes Education?

Diabetes Education is a planned process that aims to help people gain the ability to live with Diabetes and be as healthy as possible.

 

Who is a Diabetes Educator?

A Diabetes Educator is a specially trained nurse or other health professional (eg dietitian, podiatrist) who has qualifications, experience, and advanced knowledge in the care of people with Diabetes and those at risk of developing Diabetes. 

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Who can see a Diabetes Educator?

Any person with:

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Pre Diabetes

• Impaired Glucose tolerance

• Impaired Fasting Glycaemia

• Diabetes in pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)

• A high risk of Diabetes

• Friends, carers and/or partners of people with Diabetes

 

What does the Diabetes Education service at GSHS offer?

• Diabetes self management programs at both Leongatha and Korumburra campuses for people with:

  • Type 1 Diabetes - (DAFNE - Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating)

  • Management of insulin pump therapy

  • Newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes.

  • Pre Diabetes (LIFE!)

• Ongoing education and support for people with Diabetes and / or their partners / carers.

• Inpatient visits at both hospital campuses.

• Diabetes support group/s contacts and information for all ages.

• Telephone advice.

• Speaking to community groups.

• Children's Diabetes Service.

 

When should I see a Diabetes Educator?

• When you are newly diagnosed with Diabetes

• Have been diagnosed with Diabetes and have not seen a  Diabetes Educator for more than a year.

• Need or want any further information about Diabetes. 

• Change in treatment and/or unexpected problems.

 

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, for individual sessions and for group education.
Telephone support service is available during service hours.

 

What are the Service hours?

Diabetes Education services can be contacted between the hours of 8.30am and 12:30pm and 1pm and 5pm Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. 

 

What do I need to do?

• Be actively involved in your own health care.

• Please bring all relevant information to appointments as well as equipment such as record books, blood glucose meter, copies of blood tests etc. 

• Please try to notify us if you are unable to keep appointments 

 

What are the costs involved?

Gippsland Southern Health Service charges a small fee for Diabetes Education Services. This is reviewed annually.