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A guide to assist you in managing diabetes
This booklet is a guide to assist you in managing your diabetes. It contains the annual
cycle of care which are the health checks we recommend each person with diabetes
complete on a regular basis. This can help you understand what the numbers mean
for you, how often you need your checks, and why they are important in preventing
diabetes related complications. Included are some tips to help you get the most out
of your GP appointment.
Download: Goals of diabetes management
Annual Cycle of Care – getting the most from
your doctors’ appointment
It is vital that you PLAN before your visit, and ensure you ASK during your visit
- Make a list of all your questions – prepare, prepare, prepare!
- Talk about why you are visiting the GP
- Bring a record of your blood glucose levels and medications
- Ask about any tools that may assist you in your management
- Am I entitled to a GP Management Plan?
There is a dedicated network of help and support available to you, including your own healthcare team.
Download: Annual Cycle of Care – getting the most from
your doctors’ appointment
What is prescribed?
Making lifestyle changes is what is prescribed when first diagnosed with diabetes
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Healthy mind
- Alcohol recommendations
- Quit smoking
Goals of diabetes management
Discuss your individual targets with your health are team
Download the Goals of diabetes management resource and learn about diabetes management, targets and checks of:
- Blood glucose level
- HbA1c
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- Blood pressure
- Kidney function
- Body mass index
- Waist measurement
- Feet
- Eyes
- Dental checks
SMART goals
Setting SMART goals means you can clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, and increase
your chances of achieving what you want in life. Work with your GP, diabetes educator
and other health professionals to set suitable goals.
My goals – Example
- What do I want to change?
- How am I going to do this?
- When will I review this plan?
- On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you that you will achieve your goal?
Who can help?
- Health care professionals: endocrinologist, ophthalmologist.
- Allied health professionals: Aboriginal Health Worker, audiologist, chiropractor, diabetes educator, dietitian, exercise physiologist, mental health worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, psychologist.