Diabetes Education

What we do

We aim to:

• assist in preventing diabetes by identifying key risk factors and putting in place strategies to prevent diabetes onset
• help those with diabetes through education and management strategies

We do this by:

• identifing your diabetes needs in an initial assessment
• taking the time to listen to your concerns and frustration about having diabetes
• involving your family or carer if appropriate
• referring you onto an appropriate community service upon discharge from hospital
• initiating access to diabetes literature, a specialist physician, dietitian, podiatrist, eye specialist, social worker, physiotherapist and occupational therapist, as required
• assisting in obtaining blood glucose testing equipment, insulin devices and supplies, and importantly teaching you how to use these
• encouraging you to become a member of the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), which provides Commonwealth Government subsidised blood testing strips and syringes at a reduced price

Who we care for

We care for people who have a diagnosis of Type 1 & 2 diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) and Steroid Induced Diabetes (SIDM).

We provide education for inpatients as well as outpatients.

How to access this service

Accessing this service

Your specialist at The Alfred or other treating hospital must make the referral to our service. We will contact you with an appointment time.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

If you have diabetes

• Your blood glucose meter
• Your blood glucose diary/record book
• Your favourite hypo food
• Something to do, like a book, magazine or an iPad/tablet with headphones
• Your diabetes medicines

Our clinics