Diabetes Educator
When would I see a Credentialled Diabetes Educator?
Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) support people living with diabetes as well as people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes. They also support carers and guardians of people living with diabetes. People who should see a CDE are:
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people living with type 2 diabetes.
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people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or told they have high blood glucose
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children living with type 2 diabetes and their carers or guardians
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people living with an intellectual disability and type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and their carers or guardians.
Shirley Ann Bailey - Diabetes Educator
Shirley Ann has joined our team at Emerald Medical group and is a full time Credentialed Diabetes Educator at Emerald Medical Group, she is passionate about supporting you with your diabetes journey. Appointments can be made with or without a referral from your GP. She is also registered with the national Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) and can assist with registration and enquiries.
Living with Diabetes.
The diabetes cycle of care is a framework that helps people with diabetes and their healthcare team work together to manage the condition effectively. It's essentially a checklist of screenings, tests, and discussions that should happen on a regular basis to keep your diabetes under control and reduce your risk of complications.
Your care cycle
1
Do you need a GPMP review?
The frequency of diabetic GP Management Plan (GPMP) reviews depends on your individual situation and how well your diabetes is controlled.
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Every 3 months: This is recommended if you're having trouble meeting your treatment goals, like managing blood sugar levels.
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Every 6 months: This is possible if you've achieved your treatment targets and your diabetes is stable.
However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's important to discuss the optimal review schedule with your doctor and diabetic educator. They can consider factors like:
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How well your blood sugar is controlled (HbA1c test results)
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Presence of other health conditions
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Any recent changes in medications or lifestyle
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2
Do you have a pathology form
The main blood test for diabetic checkups is the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test. This test measures your average blood sugar control over the past 2-3 months, providing a valuable picture of how well your diabetes management plan is working.
However, depending on your individual situation and how well your diabetes is controlled, your doctor might recommend additional blood tests during your diabetic checkups. Here are some possibilities:
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Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test
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Lipid Panel
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Kidney Function Tests
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Thyroid Function Tests
Remember, the specific blood tests included in your diabetic checkup will be determined by your doctor based on your individual needs. It's important to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your blood tests with your doctor during your appointment
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3
What should I do next?
If you require a GPMP review but do not have a pathology form, please contact your doctor to obtain a form or book an appointment to get your pathology request done prior to booking a GPMP review.
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If you do not have a GP Management Plan in place and have a diabetes diagnosis, please talk to your GP about the benefits of getting a GP management plan done to assist in your condition management.
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Our Diabetes Educator has appointments available outside of GPM Plans if you require any further support.
Address
1 Pilot Farm Road
Emerald QLD 4720
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PO BOX 1844
Emerald QLD 4720
Phone
07 4986 7400