Take back control with OzDAFNE 25 September 2019 courses are suitable for people with type 1 diabetes over 17 years of age. Credentialled Diabetes Educator Helen d鈥橢mden who facilitates the program said: 鈥淟iving with diabetes is not just about achieving the target for HbA1c. 鈥淪ome people with type 1 diabetes have their HbA1c around 7% (53mmol/mol) but maybe this is at the expense of their quality of life. 鈥淰ariable blood glucose levels, constant worry about hypoglycaemia, or restricted food choices and activity levels can also affect people. 鈥淥thers can experience severe hypoglycaemia or diabetes ketoacidosis, which are both largely preventable. 鈥淭his course is helpful to all adults with type 1 diabetes, no matter how long they鈥檝e been diagnosed. It鈥檚 a great opportunity to meet others with type 1 diabetes, too.鈥 What you learn at OzDAFNE can give you the knowledge and confidence to manage some of the challenging aspects of type 1 diabetes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been shown to significantly improve quality of life, improve HbA1c, assist with weight control and reduce severe hypoglycaemia,鈥 added Helen. Mark Wittman who attended the course said it changed his life. 鈥淭he facilitators were courteous, professional and very knowledgeable鈥 They were both genuinely interested in my circumstances. I learned more in a week than I have in the past year. 鈥淚 have never had a handle on my diabetes since being diagnosed and have experienced some severe complications due to this,鈥 Mark said. 鈥淚 have not been shown or directed to adjust my insulin with my food intake, only given a set amount before each meal.鈥 After attending the week-long course, Mark said he was now moving forward with the ability to manage his diabetes and that his overall health had greatly improved. 鈥淚 would like it known that this is a direct result of the OzDAFNE course,鈥 he said. Other participants commented: 鈥淚t was amazing! Emotional, a little distressing, but amazing鈥 and 鈥淭he course was excellent. It was also good to hear of others鈥 journeys and experiences.鈥 The five-day course helps people to: Learn how to count carbohydrates and adjust your insulin doses Learn how to manage exercise, illness and hypoglycaemia Meet others with type 1 diabetes and share experiences. The course is free for people who are registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). OzDAFNE is available at: Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital Diabetes Centre Liverpool Diabetes and Endocrine Centre Macarthur Diabetes and Endocrine Centre St Vincent’s Hospital Diabetes Centre. Further information about the DAFNE course and contact details for OzDAFNE centres can be found on . From 1 November courses will be run for people using pumps as well as those using multiple daily injections.
News 20 April 2026 Champion Australian sprinter Lachie Kennedy gets Blue Circle Collective off to a flying start One of Australia鈥檚 brightest stars is spearheading a newly formed group to amplify the voices of people living with diabetes.... Continue Reading
Blog 16 April 2026 Caitlin asks for life-saving diabetes technology to be unlocked for those who need it most A young mother in Bendigo is asking the government to change the lives of Australians living with diabetes by making... Continue Reading
Blog 1 April 2026 Five less common reasons your glucose levels may be running high High glucose readings can feel frustrating, especially when you can鈥檛 see an obvious reason why. The reality is that many everyday factors such as stress, sleep, hormones and even hydration can all play a role. Continue Reading