“Credentialled diabetes educators assist people diagnosed with diabetes to self-manage their condition and its associated complications,” ERH diabetes educator Lori Auld said.
The health service currently employs two credentialled diabetes educators and an endorsed diabetes nurse practitioner who work across outpatient, inpatient and specialist endocrinology clinics, alongside visiting endocrinologist Dr Chris Yates and general physician Dr Abouzar Hashemi.
“Whether it be type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, each condition is different and requires a unique approach, with the patient at the centre of this process,” Mrs Auld said.
Mrs Auld emphasised that type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition, required lifelong insulin treatment, while type 2 diabetes typically occurred in adults over 40, though younger diagnoses were increasing.
“Often, the most common type of diabetes — type 2 — will have minimal symptoms, making routine health checks with your GP so important,” she said.
“More and more younger adults are being diagnosed now, in people who are overweight, obese, physically inactive, have a family history or because of their ethnicity.
“It occurs either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or because their body no longer responds correctly to insulin, meaning a resistance to insulin develops, resulting in higher glucose levels.”
Common symptoms include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, slow-healing sores and frequent infections.
“Your GP is always the first port of call,’’ Mrs Auld said.
“Your GP will refer their patients to our service or to an endocrinologist if their condition is difficult to manage or if people require specialist advice.”
She recommended accessing information from reputable sources such as Diabetes Australia, Diabetes Victoria, the National Diabetes Services Scheme, or the Baker Institute.
“If diagnosed, don’t become complacent and do take the diagnosis seriously,” Mrs Auld said.
“Ensure regular check-ups to prevent the development of irreversible, life-altering complications.
“People can live a long, happy and healthy life with diabetes, so long as it is managed.”
To contact the ERH diabetes educators at the Hopwood Centre, Leichardt St, Echuca, phone 5485 5801.
For more information, visit erh.org.au/departmentservice/diabetes
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