Diabetes Clinic
Diabetes is a group of conditions which cause high levels of glucose in the blood. This is primarily because the pancreas is not producing any or enough insulin. In many instances, especially where...
Diabetes is a group of conditions which cause high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This is primarily because the pancreas (an organ at the back of the abdomen) is not producing any or enough insulin. In many instances, especially where people are overweight, there is also resistance to insulin’s action in many body cells, particularly in the liver and muscle.
There are two main types – Type 1 and Type 2. We see people with both these types, as well as some less common causes
Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 It is an auto-immune condition where the body recognises the pancreas as “foreign” and attacks it. The pancreas thus makes less and less insulin, sometimes none at all. This type can occur at all ages, but is found most commonly in children, adolescents and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes require regular insulin injections to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. (Insulin cannot be given in tablet form.)
Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90% or more of those with diabetes. In this case the pancreas is still producing insulin but the production is reduced and gets progressively less with time. The body is also resistant to the insulin to varying degrees; being overweight is almost always the cause of insulin resistance. Those with Type 2 diabetes usually require lifestyle (weight, dietary and exercise) changes then often tablets. Most people will eventually require insulin injections – even if they comply with diet and exercise.
Both of these types of diabetes can cause serious health problems if the blood sugars are not “controlled” i.e. kept as normal as possible.
Potential problems include:
- Eye damage, called “retinopathy” which can eventually lead to blindness if not treated
- Kidney damage eventually leading to renal failure and the need for dialysis
- Foot problems including ulcers, painful feet and, sometimes, amputation
- Premature heart attacks and strokes.
The good news is that these problems can be largely avoided or delayed by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, having regular checks of the eyes, kidneys, and feet and for heart risk factors. There are effective treatments for many of these problems if detected early.
Managing Your Diabetes with You
Our Diabetes Clinic focuses on education and training, empowering you with management tools to take control of your diabetes.
Diabetes clinics give you the chance to meet medical experts who can check that you'’re well and give you highly specialised advice on how to look after your diabetes
You will meet one-on-one with educators as well as in small group classes to gain management tools such as:
- Understanding the basics of diabetes
- Outlining your unique meal plan (determined with a registered dietitian)
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Medication management
- Incorporating physical activity (with an exercise physiologist)
- Healthy coping strategies
- Preventing and reducing risks for diabetes complications
- Techniques to develop lifestyle behaviors
Our registered dietitians perform a comprehensive nutrition assessment examining your:
- Weight
- Height
- BMI (body mass index)
- Nutritional history and labs
We partner with you to improve your food choice skills leading to long-term positive results. Your progress will be assessed during your follow up visits.
Why do I need to go?
If so much of your diabetes care is up to you, why go to a diabetes clinic?
One reason is to help you understand new things. Clinic staff have years of experience specialising in helping people with diabetes. It'’s the kind of expertise
Clinic staff check how your diabetes is being managed, help you with any difficulties, and pre-empt any possible future health problems.
You know what your blood test results are every day, but if you'’ve had a really bad patch, it's hard to get things in perspective. Clinic staff will show y
