șÚÁÏÍű extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Far North Queensland. 

We recognise that natural disasters like cyclones can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time. 

Accessing diabetes supplies 

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don’t have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card. 

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you’re unsure if a pharmacy is open, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting. 

Support is available 

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you. 

• NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (AEST) 
• Email: info@ndss.com.au 

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000). 

șÚÁÏÍű will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery. 

șÚÁÏÍű extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by the flooding across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

We recognise that natural disasters like floods can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time.

Accessing diabetes supplies

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don’t have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card.

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you’re unsure if a pharmacy is open, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting.

Support is available

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you.

NDSS Helpline: 1800 637 700
Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (AEST)
Email: info@ndss.com.au

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).

șÚÁÏÍű will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery.

Every year on 12 May, the world comes together to celebrate the nursing profession on International Nurses Day. It is a day to reflect and thank nurses for the care, compassion and commitment they share to us all, especially the diabetes community.

The theme for 2023 is ‘A Voice to Lead: Our Nurses. Our Future’. This is an international campaign which sets out what nurses all around the world want for nursing in the future in order to address the global health challenges and improve global health for all. 

Today we acknowledge the diverse skills and experiences nurses have and the variety of contexts in which they work. Nurses are critical to the wellbeing of people living with diabetes whether it be acute, preventative, primary or community care, yet they are often the unsung heroes.

At șÚÁÏÍű we are honoured to have many nurses among our staff who have completed post graduate qualifications to become credentialled diabetes educators and we take the opportunity to acknowledge their valuable contribution on International Nurses Day.

Helping people to understand their diabetes and live fulfilling lives

One such professional is registered nurse, credentialled diabetes educator and psychotherapist Carolien Koreneff.

Carolien, who was born and qualified in the Netherlands, has been working as a nurse for almost 30 years and a credentialled diabetes educator for just over 25 years. She emigrated to Australia 27 years ago.

“I am passionate about making a difference,” Carolien said. “Helping people to understand their diabetes, and what they can do to live more fulfilling lives while reducing the risk of developing, or the impact of, diabetes complications, is what inspires me.”

Complications from diabetes can include heart and kidney disease, stroke, blindness, amputations, depression and anxiety.

Carolien urges people with diabetes to “make it yours”.

“Get into the driver’s seat and take control,” she said. “There is a lot you can do to improve your situation, and you can take it one step at a time.

“You don’t have to do it alone. Ask for help along the way because that is what we’re here for.”

Carolien joined șÚÁÏÍű in 2018 after 18 years in the Diabetes Centre at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney. She is one of a few ‘Fellows of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association’ in recognition of her expertise in diabetes leadership, education and management, and contribution to the Diabetes Educators’ profession.

Carolien has also trained as a somatic or body-oriented psychotherapist.

“The combination of nursing, diabetes education and psychotherapy helps me to understand at a deeper level the needs, wants and concerns of people with diabetes and their carers and families,” she said.

“Inspiring people, helping others find meaning and improve their self-worth, level of confidence and awareness, makes me want to jump out of bed in the morning.

“I love sharing knowledge and helping people.”

Making a difference locally

șÚÁÏÍű’s CEO in Queensland, Adjunct Professor Sue Hawes, has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years and has experience in emergency and disaster management, hospital, community, rural and remote, disability and aged care nursing.

“I love being a nurse and always appreciate the contribution the profession of nursing makes to enhance the health and wellbeing of the community,” Sue said. “I see first-hand every day the difference the nurses working at șÚÁÏÍű make. I thank them for their professionalism and incredible commitment and dedication to their work.

“We are so lucky to have such a highly educated, diverse and skilled team of nurses and other health professionals that genuinely care for each other and for people living with or at risk of diabetes. They want the absolute best outcome for every single person who seeks our support.”

Happy International Nurses Day and thank you for all that you do!

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit are proud to support people living with diabetes, as a national priority. The team has been developing resources through continuing guided community co-design and will shortly release a set of new programs and products for Indigenous communities under the banner of Diabetes Yarning. The resources will including a culturally appropriate online program, booklets, and visual tools for community members, and training for Health Workers and Practitioners.

Community

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit team have been blessed to be able to travel all across Queensland from Torres Strait in the north to the Gold Coast in the south and west to Mt Isa. Their aim is to provide upskilling for Health Workers and Practitioners to enhance diabetes messaging for people in the community every day. The team’s training visits, while they bring great cheer and common goals, do not provide a sustainable and continued advocate at the grass roots level, for people living with diabetes and their families. Their role is to upskill champions in communities they visit and provide them with the best available support to continue to do their good work. 

The impact of colonisation

What the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit team are incredibly proud of is being able to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with some of the first resources that highlight the impact of colonisation. In culture, there was a deep disruption to connection with the land, with many removed and placed into missions, causing mass separation from clans, tribal and family bonds, and traditions. With so many taken to different cultural lands with unknown environments, the types of foods that were familiar and hunting and gathering practices were lost along with so many other traditions. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lifestyles that were so finely balanced over thousands of years experienced severe impacts through colonisation. The impacts affected not only social and emotional health, but also physical health and wellbeing. Importantly, it must be recognised that the ongoing effects of the colonisation policies, practices and programs are still being felt today. 

A holistic view of health lowers diabetes risk

One of the most important factors highlighted in all the programs is the belief that Indigenous Australians view health holistically, and the social determinants of health extend beyond that of biomedical definitions. These determinants concentrate on the physical, social, emotional, spiritual and ecological wellbeing for individuals and communities. Research has shown that Indigenous peoples who still follow cultural practices lowered their risk of developing diabetes, indicating the real power of cultural practices for health and wellbeing. 

Introducing Trent Lyon

A proud Yumgambeh man from the Wanggeriburra Trent Lyon, an Exercise Physiologist who is currently completing his Postgraduate in Psychological Science/Diabetes Education has been working hard to implement these complex cultural experiences and social determinants of health into diabetes education across Queensland. Trent has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. His drive to reduce the stigma around mental health and chronic illness has allowed many community members to look differently at Indigenous health narratives. Trent continues to strive for a better tomorrow for his people. Lucky, he has such a deadly team around him, who all live with the same passion for Indigenous health. 

Contact us

We are also here to answer any questions you may have about your diabetes. If you are looking for support with your diabetes management you can get in touch with us for a yarn at firstnationshealth@diabetesqld.org.au or phone on 1800 637 700.

șÚÁÏÍű research is backing Queensland men’s love of rugby league to help them lose weight. The aim is to prevent chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

QUT researchers prevent chronic disease

QUT’s Associate Professor Toby Pavey, Dr. Lee Wharton and Professor Remco Polman are researching the results of weight-loss intervention for men using community-based professional rugby league clubs to deliver the program.

League Fans in Training (League-FIT) is based on a Scottish initiative that used football teams to deliver lifestyle intervention such as exercise and nutritional advice to overweight and obese men. Professors Cindy Gray and Kate Hunt from the Scottish initiative are helping to guide the QUT team.

Lose weight and set goals

The program provides 12 weekly 90-minute sessions which includes education and goal setting (eg physical activity, nutrition, alcohol) and a rugby league-based exercise session. It’s delivered at the league club by coaches and some of the club’s players.

The Scottish trial achieved an average weight loss of 6kg and 4kg at three and 12 months respectively.

North’s Devils and South Logan Magpies

The QUT team are now working with  and the South Logan Magpies to see what can be achieved with Queensland men. Other clubs such as the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls have expressed interest to join the trial. Clubs in other codes as far afield as Perth and Darwin are also interested in joining the program.

This Sunday (October 10) North’s Devils and the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls compete against each other in the rugby league Intrust Super Cup Grand Final at Redcliffe.

Keep your loyalty to your original club

“Queenslanders love their rugby league,” says Dr Wharton. “Many of us played rugby league when we were kids and you keep your loyalty to your original club. We go back and watch their games, keep abreast of who’s playing and what’s happening at the club.

“This gives men the chance to reconnect with their clubs. They can exercise at the club’s gyms and playing fields, sometimes with the players, and feel part of it again.

“It’s a great incentive to stay engaged with the program, lose some weight and avoid the health complications such as type 2 diabetes that can come with being overweight or obese.”

Research for maximum good

Diabetes Queensland CEO Sturt Eastwood says members of the diabetes organisations looked to have their research dollars invested in projects that would do the maximum amount of good. Supporting League-FIT with șÚÁÏÍű Research Trust funding met that expectation.

“We know that it’s small changes that can be sustained and built on that deliver results when it comes to weight loss,” Mr Eastwood said.

“League-FIT will bring together men grounded in rugby league to work with their club to help them achieve results that can make them healthier for the rest of their lives.

Prevent chronic conditions

“It’s a big opportunity to prevent type 2 diabetes with the group of people who are most at risk of the condition: overweight men.”

Dr Wharton gave the example of one fan walking out after watching a game at North’s.

‘I’m not giving up drinking’

“As soon as we started talking he said the program wasn’t for him. ‘I’m not giving up drinking,’ he told me.

“That’s alright, mate. I’m not asking you to. I just don’t want you to have your beer at the footy and eat the sausage sizzle, too. Have your beer but not the sausage to start with.

“He liked that idea and knew he could do it. He joined the program and I think there will be a lot of men out there who will achieve once they’re combining healthier choices with the exercise plan through the clubs.

“That will bring about a difference.”

Research dollar is merit based and competitive

The șÚÁÏÍű Research Program supports and develops outstanding diabetes research in Australia. It provides a range of grants across the full spectrum of diabetes research through a merit based, competitive, peer review process. Research projects can focus on prevention, management of diabetes or the cure for diabetes.

Mr Eastwood said it was the generosity of Queensland members that gives șÚÁÏÍű the means to support these invaluable research projects.

Change the health of men watching footy

“We want the results to contribute to real changes for people living with or at risk of diabetes,” he said.

“This research could be the start of large-scale and successful interventions to change the health of men who have been watching footy, not playing it. In the future they might be training with the same athletes they’ve been watching on the field.”

ABOUT DIABETES AUSTRALIA

șÚÁÏÍű is the only charity that cares for people with all types of diabetes. We provide educational programs, support, advocacy services, and fund vital research into better treatments and the search for a cure. For more information contact șÚÁÏÍű on 1800 177 055, or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au.

A new report sheds light on what First Nations patients want from their health care. Care from First Nations health professionals top their needs.

The report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient care was recently released.

The Bureau of Health Information (BHI) and the Centre of Aboriginal Health worked together to conduct extensive surveys. Participants were from within New South Wales hospitals.

Best approach for First Nations

The research had been carried out since 2019. The aim was to understand the best approach for health care systems in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The findings of the survey have reinforced the importance of listening to patients. This helps to identify their preferred method of care. This will create effective health systems and ensure better outcomes.

“Hearing from Aboriginal people about their experiences of care is fundamental to efforts to tailor care to their needs and help improve health outcomes” (p, 2).

Bridging the gap

The findings confirmed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners provide invaluable support to a patient’s health journey. Health workers play an important role in bridging the gap between culture and mainstream. Health outcomes improve when there is a high level of overall patient satisfaction.

Key findings

• Aboriginal people supported by an Aboriginal Health Worker during their admitted and maternity stays gave more positive ratings of care across a wide range of areas. This included overall ratings of care, communication and information provision, and feeling respected.
• 70% of Aboriginal patients who had the support of an Aboriginal Health Worker rated their care as ‘very good’. This is significantly higher than those who were not supported by an Aboriginal Health Worker – 58% (p 13).
• 79% of Aboriginal women who had the support of an Aboriginal Health Worker rated their overall care during labour and birth as ‘very good’. This is significantly higher than those who were not supported by an Aboriginal Health Worker – 58% (p 17).
• 76% of Aboriginal patients who had the support of an Aboriginal Health Worker said hospital staff ‘completely’ took their family and home situation into account when discharge planning. This is significantly higher than those who were not supported by an Aboriginal Health Worker – 60% (p 21).
• 89% of Aboriginal women who had the support of an Aboriginal Health Worker said they were ‘always’ treated with respect and dignity during labour and birth. This is significantly higher than those who were not supported by an Aboriginal Health Worker – 72% (p 25).

First Nations HPs improve health outcomes

There’s no doubt that Health Workers and Practitioners further enhance the experience of patient care and improve the health outcomes.

On behalf of Diabetes Queensland and the ons Health Unit, we would like to extend our utmost gratitude and appreciation for the hard, dedicated work that Health Workers and Practitioners provide to patients and the community. Thank you!

 to read the Bureau of Health Information report.

More than 216,000 Queenslanders have been impacted by diabetes stigma at some time because they’ve felt judged or shamed about their diabetes, the latest research indicates.

National Diabetes Week (July 11 to 17, 2021), Diabetes Queensland CEO Sturt Eastwood is asking people to be aware of the pressure diabetes places on the nearly 270,000 people living with the condition in Queensland.

What is diabetes stigma?

People can experience diabetes stigma at school, among families, workplaces, sporting clubs and throughout the community. It happens at any age and, most often, there is no malice intended.

“Research tells us that four out of five people living with diabetes have experienced feeling stigmatized because of their diabetes at some time,” Mr Eastwood said.

“It doesn’t matter if a person has type 1,Ìętype 2 or another type of diabetes. All groups reported they felt judged or belittled because of their condition,” he said.

“There are many reasons someone might experience stigma. It can be because they feel misunderstood, judged, blamed or even made to feel guilty about their diabetes.

“Mentally this can be a lot for people to deal with. It can impact how someone manages their diabetes, resulting in physical and emotional complications to their health.”

Dominic’s experience

Dominic Speranza, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 30 years ago when he had just turned 21, said he was so embarrassed after diagnosis he wouldn’t tell anyone or wear a medical alert chain. This led to Dominic almost losing his life when he had a hypoglycaemic (dangerously low blood glucose levels) episode while swimming and the lifeguards who saved him were unaware of his diabetes.

“There have been times during my work life when people have made jokes about my diabetes that were inappropriate and offended me,” Dominic said.

“Stigma can lead people who live with diabetes to hide it from those around them. It’s important for people with diabetes not to feel self-conscious. We need to know we have the support of our friends, family and workmates so we can ask for help when we need it,” he said.

șÚÁÏÍű

Mr Eastwood said the causes and treatment for type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes are all different. The one thing they have in common is that no one asks to get diabetes.

“Diabetes is serious and everyone who is living with the condition deserves our understanding and support,” Mr Eastwood said. “Unless people are aware of what members of the diabetes community are experiencing, we can’t change anything.”

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. It has no known cause or cure. Once the condition develops, it requires urgent medical treatment and numerous insulin infusions every day for the rest of your life.

Type 2 diabetes tends to develop progressively. It can be delayed or prevented in almost 60 per cent of cases with a healthy, active lifestyle. More than 235,000 people in Queensland live with type 2 diabetes.

Call if you need extra support

The impact of diabetes-related stigma is real and can affect someone’s physical and emotional health. If you or someone you care about is struggling with diabetes, please call Diabetes Queensland on 1800 177 055 and ask to make an appointment with our Psychologist. All consultations are free and confidential.

. Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD).

Understanding or adapting type 2 diabetes advice from health professionals to suit Maori, Pacific Islander and Arabic-speaking clients can be challenging.

Those challenges mean that advice is sometimes not being followed.

CALD partnership

Diabetes Queensland has partnered with  to identify culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities to help address these challenges.

For the past year, Diabetes Queensland has been working with local Maori and Pacific Islander, and Arabic-speaking communities to make the DESMOND program (an interactive self-management education course for people living with type 2 diabetes) more culturally appropriate.

Food choices and more

DESMOND stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for the Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed. It is a one-day program. It helps people learn about healthy food choices, physical activity, medication and other proactive steps they can take towards general well-being after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

“These communities experience higher rates of avoidable diabetes-related hospitalisations and preventable complications than other Queenslanders,” said Diabetes Queensland Accredited Practising Dietitian and Credentialled Diabetes Educator, Michelle Tong.

Positive change

“The strong motivation from these communities to see positive change prompted us to find out whether the DESMOND program would be effective for these CALD groups.”

Brisbane South PHN CEO, Mike Bosel, said: “This partnership is important as it’s responding to the need identified by primary care providers and the community.

Better health outcomes

“A culturally adapted DESMOND program for people with newly diagnosed diabetes supports quality care and better health outcomes.”

To inform this work, two community ‘expert reference groups’ were formed. They included people living with diabetes, their families, health professionals and other interested community members.

Targeted for cultural needs

Participants advised on how to adapt DESMOND to incorporate culturally appropriate foods, religious practices and beliefs, and family structures to answer cultural needs.

From this feedback, Diabetes Queensland and the Brisbane South PHN piloted an adapted program with tailored resources for each group.

It is the first time in Australia that DESMOND has been culturally adapted to suit ethnic communities.

‘We can do more’

Manal Aqrawe was a medical doctor for more than 20 years in Iraq and was a member of the Arabic community’s expert reference group. “We can do more for our community to control this progressive and chronic condition by attending, collaborating and creating through the DESMOND program.”

“The best people to facilitate diabetes education for diverse cultural groups are people from within the community. Diabetes Queensland has trained people from each group to become DESMOND educators,” Michelle said.

Building on strengths

“Key feedback from consultation with the Maori and Pacific Islander community was that they wanted to build on the strengths within the community, rather than just try to fix the ‘problems’ with external help.”

Each year, Diabetes Queensland presents the State Government with a submission that outlines priorities for the diabetes community as part of the Budget process.

Following a challenging 2020 brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, our submission this year has focused on diabetes priorities to deliver positive change for the health and wellbeing of the community.

The three priority areas identified in our Budget submission were:

1. a greater focus on and investment in preventive health
2. investment in the earlier diagnosis of diabetes
3. Investment in services required for people to manage the condition.

Prevention

• We asked the Government to continue to support and build on the landmark prevention program, , which has enabled more than 10,000 Queenslanders to engage with the program, and have the opportunity to change lifestyle factors that are associated with chronic disease.
• The program, delivered by Diabetes Queensland and its partners in the Healthier Queensland Alliance – Heart Foundation, Stroke Foundation, Queensland Primary Health Networks (PHNs, Ethnic Community Councils of Queensland (ECCQ) and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) –  is evidence-based and accessible, and embeds lifestyle behaviour change in participants.  To date more than 210,000 Queenslanders have engaged in a conversation about their health by undertaking a chronic disease risk assessment.
• We encouraged the Government to build on the establishment of Health and Wellbeing Queensland to escalate the focus on preventive health. Prevention expenditure yields high returns of $14 for every dollar spent on health prevention.  Up to 60 per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable by modifying lifestyle behaviours.
• We urged the Government to continue and increase efforts to limit the advertising of unhealthy food and beverages to vulnerable audiences, especially children and youth.

Early diagnosis

• We asked for a trial at three major emergency departments to add tests to the suite of blood tests taken. Emergency departments offer a convenient and low-cost opportunity to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.  As underlying cause in so many conditions, it can also be a very effective way of reducing the impact of complications.
• We urged the Government to undertake skilling campaigns in our health services, and education campaigns in the community, to recognise the signs of type 1 diabetes. Hospitalisation rates for children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) have increased nationwide by 14 per cent in five years. We are asking for a health professional team in each region to be equipped with the resources and information to increase the recognition and awareness of DKA.
• We also sought a supported campaign to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes symptoms to reduce the rate of DKA.  With many diagnoses occurring in early childhood, it is important that parents are aware of symptoms, especially in their children’s non-verbal years by promoting a ‘4Ts’ campaign to highlight the main symptoms – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, and Thinner.

Management of diabetes 

•  Diabetes Queensland sought urgent attention to ensure hospitals are able to deal with diabetes as a priority alongside any comorbidities, even when diabetes is not the cause for admission. This is consistently one of the greatest concerns of our members.  Mismanagement of diabetes during a hospital stay prolongs the length of the hospital stay and increases the risk of complications and readmissions.
• We urged the Government to ensure that any patient admitted to hospital who has diabetes, regardless of the reason for admission, has their needs for diabetes met.  It is essential that a person’s diabetes is treated as a primary condition, even when coexisting with other conditions.
• Diabetes Queensland also asked the Government to build on the changes to health service delivery that have occurred over the past year, to maintain beneficial e-health and telehealth delivery in regional areas.

If you would like any further information, please contact us at qld.policy@diabetesaustralia.com.au

Nakarri Smith is a proud Mununjarli woman who has a passionate interest in the  of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

She is a qualified health professional, and a health coach who works in the  program. Whether it’s eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping better or managing stress, the My health for life program can support people to achieve their goals.

Nakarri works individually with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients over a six-month period, providing professional and culturally sound coaching.

Distance is no barrier as Nakarri’s services are provided via phone or video calls.

Three easy steps

Joining the  program is a simple three step process.

1. Use the online health check to find out how your health is tracking
2. Your answers will determine whether this program is available to you. If so, you’ll be invited to join
3. Enrol in the program and find a coaching option that best suits you.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the program is being conducted in several sites throughout the state where it is delivered by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.

For those who can’t access the program in these places, people can elect to get their own personal health coach via their phone, tablet or desktop computer.

If you have any clients who might benefit from their very own personal coach, maybe Nakarri might be able to help. If you would like to discuss further, please call 1800 00MH4L (6445).