Diabetes

The Diabetes Program aims to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes (and their families) through education and training based on the improvement and management of diet, physical activities, and weight management. This program aims to help clients increase and sustain self-management of their chronic illness.

Program services

By working together with the Diabetes Coordinator and health team, Clients can access:

• a full health assessment, screening, and testing (e.g. blood sugar levels, HbA1c, urine, ACR and cholesterol checks)
• regular health checks by medical staff, foot and eye specialists and the dietician
• a health care plan with regular reviews
• activity days which address diet, exercise and health in all areas that affect diabetes
• a range of visiting Specialists
• health, education, and promotion to raise awareness about diabetes and how to manage it
• advise on healthy choices of meals + portion sizes
• support from the community through group activities like walking groups, cooking, education sessions on walking groups, reading food labels, and counting carbohydrates
• Medical advice for diabetes self-management.

What can you do to better manage diabetes?

• Have an interest in improving your health
• Keep a record of your blood sugar level
• Be willing to participate in any diabetes activities being offered
• To work with the Diabetes Coordinator and health providers as a team
• Take your medication as prescribed by your GP
• Encourage family members to participate with you in making healthy changes to your lifestyle
• To look at improving your health long term, not just a ‘quick fix’.