Wendy Anthony

DIABETES EDUCATOR

Wendy provides holistic support and guidance for people with all types of Diabetes, Type 2, Type 1 Gestational diabetes, Pre-pregnancy planning for women with Diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A Medicare rebate is available with a GP Management plan Team Care arrangement.

A consultation can include assistance with healthy life -style goals by providing overall management strategies when living with Diabetes. Information will be provided on basic healthy food choices, importance of exercise, with strong focus on self management.

Education on blood glucose management – a free glucometer can be provided or using a Continuous Glucose monitoring device to assist with monitoring of blood glucose.
As well as assisting people with Type 1 Diabetes to access free CGM, and pre-conception planning for those women with Diabetes and assisting people who have Department Veterans affairs status.

Insulin initiation and ongoing management, advice on appropriate medication management in consultation with your GP A team and chronic disease management case conference service.

Wendy consults fortnightly on Thursdays.  Book an appointment with our reception team.

What is discussed at consultations:

Session One – Diabetes Education

During your first diabetes education session, we will discuss the following topics:

Understanding Diabetes – What diabetes is, how it affects your body, and how blood glucose levels are managed.

Annual Cycle of Care – An overview of the recommended regular checks and assessments to help manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

Mental Health & Diabetes Management – Discussing how you are coping with diabetes, including diabetes-related stress or burnout, and any challenges you may be experiencing with self-management.

Pathology Results – Reviewing your recent blood test results and discussing practical ways to improve or maintain your results.

Diabetes Medications – Understanding your diabetes medications, how they work, and how they help manage blood glucose levels.

Insulin Education – If you use insulin, we will review your insulin routine, injection technique, storage, dosing, and provide education and advice as required.

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Glucose) – Learning how to recognise, treat and prevent low blood glucose levels.

Blood Glucose Monitoring – Education on using your glucometer correctly and understanding your blood glucose results.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) – Information and education about CGM devices, including how they can assist with diabetes management, where appropriate.

NDSS Registration – Information about the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and assistance with registration where required.

Information and Resources – Relevant diabetes education brochures and resources will be provided according to your needs, questions and the topics discussed during the session.

The session is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns you have about managing your diabetes, and identify areas where you may need further support or education.

Session Two – Diabetes Education

During your second and possible subsequent diabetes education session, we will discuss the following topics:

Medication: Insulin, sulphonylureas, SGLT2i; medication management; VicRoads referral if required.

Nutrition: Healthy food choices; vegetables, protein & CHO; portion control; cook–chill–reheat of pasta/rice/potatoes; healthy cooking methods.

Lifestyle: Water intake, salt, smoking, alcohol and weight management.

Exercise: Cardio, strength/resistance and isometric exercise; importance for BGL control.

Resources: Provide relevant brochures as required.

Ideally review in 3 months post first session.

Review previous education and progress.

Check medications, Blood Glucose Levels, diet, exercise and weight.

Reinforce goals and address barriers.

Diabetes Complications / Annual Care

Encourage diabetes self-management and annual cycle of care.

Eyes: Annual eye review.

Feet: Podiatry; Diabetic Neuropathic Examination, basic foot check if not attending.

Dental: Regular dental review.

Sleep: Discuss sleep health.

Preventive care: Immunisations, skin/bowel cancer screening and heart health.

Women: Mammogram and cervical screening.

Men: PSA/prostate health.

A third session if provided in 3 months if unstable pathology or 6 month review if pathology results have improved or stable.

Those who are stable 6 month to 1 year review.