Diabetes WA

Our mission is to improve the lives of those at risk of, living with or affected by diabetes. This takes in thousands of Western Australians and their families and we do our best to make sure we provide them with the all of the information and support they need to enjoy a full life.

We have a range of programs and services that can help you on your health journey.  

DESMOND PROGRAM - for type 2 diabetes

The Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) program is a workshop designed to support people living with type 2 diabetes. The program recognises that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to diabetes management. It is intended to provide you with a welcoming and non-judgemental space where you can plan how you would like to manage your diabetes. These workshops are conducted all throughout the metropolitan and regional areas of WA.  Click here for information to find a DESMOND near you 

SMART PROGRAM - for type 1 & 2 diabetes

The SMART programs are a range of short group education sessions designed to help you better manage your diabetes.The two- and three-hour workshops are focused on the different aspects of diabetes management
that affect people’s lives and will provide you with information and practical tips to help you to help yourself.

CarbSMART - Confused about carbs? This session will make you an expert on the myths and facts of carbohydrates. Learn about the different types of carbs and the amount that is best for you. For people with type 2 and gestational diabetes.

FootSMART - Your feet are made for walking – so let’s keep them healthy. This 90-minute session will teach you all you need to know about checking and caring for your feet. For people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

MedSMART - This workshop helps you understand what your medications are, what they do and how to address any concerns you may have. For people with type 2 diabetes.

MeterSMART - Do you find checking your blood glucose painful? Or suspect you are not getting accurate results? This practical skills session will show you all the best techniques for using your meter to help manage your
diabetes. For people with type 2 diabetes only.

ShopSMART - Do you know what is really going into your trolley? Learn how to decode food labels and spot the techniques used to trick you into buying unhealthy food. This two-hour workshop will help you make healthy choices while shopping. For people with all types of diabetes.

DAFNE Program - for type 1 diabetes 

Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) is a group program designed for adults with type 1 diabetes. DAFNE equips participants with strategies to self-manage their insulin doses, exercise, illness, and alcohol intake more safely.

Diabetes Telehealth Service for Country WA

Diabetes Telehealth is a free education and support service for people living with diabetes in rural and remote areas of WA. The service uses videoconferencing to provide telehealth appointments, linking you with a diabetes educator via a computer or television screen. You might be at your local hospital, health centre, or community resource centre. You may even be able to have the appointment in your own home (depending on whether the right technology is available in your area). It is like having a face-to-face appointment with a diabetes educator, but you need not be in the same room (or town). Think of it as a phone call, but with the benefit of vision. Click here for more information on Diabetes Telehealth.

DIAL - Diabetes Information & Advice Line: 1300 001 880

Do you have a question about diabetes? Do you have a question about your risk of diabetes? We are here to answer all of your diabetes questions – and no question is too hard, too trivial or too silly for us. The Diabetes WA Information and Advice Line (DIAL) is a telephone service manned by credentialed diabetes educators and can be accessed by anyone in WA for the cost of a local call.

Educators are trained to help you best manage your diabetes. They can provide information, education, and counselling on all aspects of diabetes care, as well as helping you to problem solve and manage any issues that arise. They can also refer you on to other healthcare professionals or services should the need arise.

Health Professional Training

Diabetes WA offers a number of training courses to assist health professionals and other community members support people at risk of, living with and affected by diabetes. Click here to find out more.