Diabetes Care

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that diabetes is three times more common among Indigenous Australians than non-Indigenous Australians.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council Diabetes Educators visit Cape York communities on a fortnightly or monthly basis. You may find them at a Queensland Health Clinic, an Apunipima office, a Wellbeing Centre or under a tree wearing distinctive orange shirts.

Diabetes Educators will work with you if:

• You have diabetes;
• Are at risk of developing diabetes; or
• Have gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy).

Apunipima Diabetes Educators provide information, education and self-management plans to people with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes. We can talk to you by yourself or with your partner, friend or family – it’s up to you.

If you are worried you may be at risk of diabetes we can do a screening (check your blood) and if we find that you are at risk of diabetes we will support you by:

• Setting up a care plan; or
• Letting you know how to avoid getting diabetes.

If you have diabetes we will help you to manage the diabetes. We will talk to you about healthy food, exercise and taking medications (including insulin). We will also talk you through the effects the diabetes is having on your body.

You may be referred to the Diabetes Educator by the doctor; however Diabetes Educators are also able to see you without a referral. Any other visits after that will be arranged with the Diabetes Educator.

Self - Managing Diabetes

There are lots of ways to take care of yourself if you have diabetes:

• Check your blood sugars
• Take medications regularly
• Have regular eye, teeth and foot checks
• Seek support, share your worry
• Tackle smoking
• Avoid overdoing alcohol
• Keep up your reviews with health staff