Most people know Diabetes Mellitus as simply Diabetes and it is a condition that results in too much sugar in the blood or high blood glucose. If not managed correctly diabetes can cause damage to kidneys, nerve damage, blindness, foot problems and heart disease.
During National Diabetes week, July 11-17 HealthWISE is actively raising awareness of this condition that millions of people across the world live with each and every day. The condition includes Prediabetes, Type II Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes and Gestational (pregnancy related) Diabetes.
In many cases, diabetes may be managed effectively out of hospital or even prevented through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, having regular foot care and check-ups to monitor the levels of sugar in the blood.
The highest rate of Potentially Preventable Hospitalisations in 2017/18 in West Moreton were diabetes complications. The West Moreton Health, Health indicator report shows almost one quarter of presentations (3074) were related to diabetes. From 2013 to 2017, 10.3% of West Moreton Health mothers experienced gestational diabetes mellitus.
Meanwhile in the Hunter New England region, diabetes complications have been in the top 10 of Potentially Preventable Hospitalisations for the past 10 years. It is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia, with 280 Australians developing diabetes every day.
Health care professionals such as HealthWISE dietitians, podiatrists, diabetes educators, and exercise physiologists can help people to manage their blood sugar levels.
Gunnedah-based HealthWISE Aboriginal health worker Emma Costello and Inverell primary health care nurse, Christine Connor recently participated in the Diabetes Australia Foot Forward Train the Trainer Pilot program as part of the organisation’s commitment to collaboration, quality health care and improved health outcomes.
“The Diabetes Australia training will enhance HealthWISE services,” says Naomi Petty, qualified dietitian and HealthWISE Business Development Lead, QLD.
“We are a specialist provider of rural and remote services, supporting vulnerable groups, addressing the social determinants of health and improving health literacy. Delivering culturally inclusive services is an organisational priority.”
HealthWISE is a not for profit, registered charity with offices in 9 locations, where we currently offer a range of mental health and psychosocial services.
HealthWISE has been delivering federally funded primary health and social services for over 13 years. Our purpose is creating healthier communities. We are a specialist provider of primary health care services including allied health, mental health and Aboriginal health across across the New England North West area of NSW and the Darling Downs and West Moreton region of QLD.
