Diabetes Australia continues to enhance its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership team with the appointment of widely respected Kamilaroi-Yuwaalaraay diabetes educator Grace Ward.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager Chris Lee said Grace brought a wealth of experience in First Nations diabetes management and engagement to Diabetes Australia.
I’ve always been a pretty stressed and highly strung sort of person. When I was diagnosed with diabetes at 19 years old, my immediate reaction was to work super hard at getting it “perfect” (classic overachiever!). I’ve never been able to afford an insulin pump, so managing with injections has obviously NOT been “perfect”. There are times when I get so frustrated because I’m doing everything “right” but my BGLs aren’t reflecting that. I’ve really had to let go of the idea of managing it perfectly, and focus on celebrating small wins – like an entire night within my target range!
Yesterday we had the pleasure of acknowledging two very special members of the Australian diabetes community.
Neill Decker OAM and Ian Rodwell AO both received Outstanding Achievement Awards from Diabetes Australia for their contribution to diabetes leadership and research.
What better way to kick off Men's Health Week than with a #DiabetesStory.
Rod was generous enough to share his experience of living with diabetes with us and the community.
Rod's story begins the way too many diabetes diagnoses stories do - with a trip to the emergency room.
Diabetes Australia has partnered with emerging First Nations artist Keisha Leon on the development of new artwork to tell the story of diabetes and its significant impact on First Nations people.
The new artwork was released today as part of Diabetes Australia’s National Reconciliation Week activities.
Dear Australia, Let’s work together to put your health first
COVID-19 caught us by surprise, testing our health system and testing our country in many ways. The good news is that the actions taken to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19 are working – but now we need to take action to avoid a second wave of health problems.
Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners are urging people living with diabetes to have their routine pathology and other check-ups to avoid long-term damage to their health.
Around 1.35 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes. For all types of diabetes, keeping blood glucose levels within a target range helps prevent both short-term and long-term complications. This is ensured with regular pathology tests and follow-up appointments with their health professional.
Diabetes Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have developed some important advice to help GPs support people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes important information about helping people with diabetes reduce their risk of developing inter-current illnesses and ensuring they continue to access routine care.
Read the advice here.
Australia’s leading national diabetes organisations are encouraging people with diabetes to continue their usual insulin purchasing practices and not stockpile or refill prescriptions more frequently.
The Department of Health has advised that there are no current national shortages or supply issues with insulin, diabetes medicines or products.
Australia’s leading national diabetes organisations are standing together to support people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are unprecedented times. However, Australia’s diabetes community is strong and resilient – and working together we are stronger.
We are united and focused on one thing – supporting and advocating for the health and wellbeing of all Australians with diabetes, and their families and support networks, and diabetes health professionals during this pandemic.
