Diabetes management: how to take control of your health

Diabetes is Australia’s fastest-growing chronic condition. Around 1.8 million Australians have diabetes. 

Almost 1 in 5 (19%) Australians aged 75 and over had diabetes in 2017–18, 4 times as high as for 45–54-year-olds (4.5%) and 1.9 times as high as for 55–64 year olds (10%). Diabetes was also more common in males (5.0%) than females (3.8%) (ABS 2019a).

Diabetes Type II program (Medicare funded)

Did you know that if you have Type 2 diabetes you may be eligible for up to 8 group exercise physiology sessions per calendar year? Download the Type II Diabetes Program Brochure (on the right) for more information.

The diabetes program is an 8-week program, one hour per week, and will help you to better self-manage and understand your diabetes and the effects it may have on your life. The sessions will include a weekly education topic that is interactive between those in the class and also exercise!

Some of the education topics will include:

-What is diabetes and how does it affect your body?
-Why is exercise important if you are a type 2 diabetic?
-How much of and which exercise is best if you are type 2 diabetic?
-Foods to eat more of and foods to avoid if you are type 2 diabetic
-What are good levels of blood sugar and when are the best times to measure your blood sugar levels?
-What are other health conditions that may now be more common due to having diabetes and how to spot signs and symptoms?

And many more!

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

Private paying clients can book without a doctor’s referral. You may be eligible to claim these services from your private health fund. If eligible through Medicare, these 8 sessions are completely independent and separate to your 5 enhanced primary care plan sessions so even if you have used those up, you are still eligible. Those who have Type 2 Diabetes are eligible for the services when referred through a GP Management Plan 721 (Referral from Group Allied Health Services under Medicare for patients with type 2 diabetes).

Please find the link for the referral form below: