If you have diabetes, regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining good health.
Keeping in regular contact with your healthcare team is essential for monitoring blood sugar levels effectively and reducing potential complications. It also helps to make sure you’re taking the right medications and upholding a healthy lifestyle.
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) supports individuals like Andrew in handling type 2 diabetes. Andrew has been proactive in his approach since the 1980s, with regular doctor visits, exercise and a balanced diet. He uses GLCH’s podiatry services every two weeks.
“I look after myself as best as I can, and I appreciate the services here (GLCH) because they’ve got me up and moving and keep my diabetes under control,” he said.
GLCH’s diabetes educator, Melissa Ceely, said the key to living well with diabetes is management and prevention. She urges people with diabetes to stay healthy and live well.
“The diabetes educator can help coach clients and keep them on the right track,” Ms Ceely said.
She said lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes in Australia.
“It is important to maintain a healthy body weight, be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid smoking,” Ms Ceely said.
Amanda Hack, the lead podiatry clinician at GLCH, emphasises the importance of foot care for diabetes management, including daily inspections. She suggests using a mirror for foot checks for those who find it difficult to bend. And wearing footwear is crucial both indoors and outdoors to prevent injuries.
GLCH’s dietitian offers personalised dietary advice to help avert conditions like type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. The upcoming Life! program in Bairnsdale provides a choice between a group course or a year-long telephone health coaching service, focusing on healthy living strategies.
To make an appointment for an assessment with the diabetes educator or to see an allied health professional, contact GLCH or visit the website for more information.
