Diabetes Educators are specialists in diabetes. They are health professionals who have completed further study to focus their efforts on helping people with diabetes self-manage their diabetes effectively and prevent complications.

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A diabetes educator can be the first point of call when you are wanting more information, support and/or motivation in the management of your diabetes and the link between other health professionals. They have in-depth knowledge on all aspects of diabetes and can recognise when you need to see other members of your health care team for example, an optometrist or podiatrist.

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When should I see a diabetes educator?

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Diabetes Educators can be there with you the entire way through your journey. When you are first diagnosed, Diabetes Educators explain what diabetes is and provide individualised advice on how to get your blood glucose levels within the appropriate target range. They will also help you organise tests and screenings for diabetes complications. This will vary depending on your diabetes, your lifestyle and your age.Diabetes Educators can also help you when your blood glucose levels fluctuate.

 

The main aim of a Diabetes Educator is to empower the person that has diabetes to self-manage their diabetes through knowledge, motivation and support.

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Who should see a diabetes educator?

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Everyone should see a diabetes educator even people with pre-diabetes. Diabetes Educators can provide you with initial information, what can happen in the future and what to look out for if something goes wrong.

 

The frequency of your visits to a diabetes educator will depend on your diabetes and your blood glucose levels.

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For people with type 1 diabetes, Diabetes Educators can help you manage your medication, meal plans, eye care and looking after your feet.

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For people with type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Educators can help you prolong needing medication and help you make the transition to medication when the insulin producing cells in your pancreas stop producing insulin.

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Diabetes Educators can also help people with less common forms of diabetes like Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) and Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY).

 

 

How much does it cost to visit a Diabetes Educator?

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Visits conducted as part of an EPC Care Plan are BULK BILLED.

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Extra visits may be covered by your private health insurance. Please contact their information helpline to get further information.

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Adapted/Edited from "Diabetes Australia" website