Important Diabetes Checks

Every 12 months

Cholesterol _________________

Diabetes Education __________

Dietitian ___________________

Activity Review ______________

At least once a year

Eye Test ____________________ Dental Check _______________

Every 3 months when you visit your GP or the GP Nurse

Emotional Health ____________ BG Control________________________

Foot Check _________________

Waist/Weight________________

Blood Pressure ______________

Blood Test (HbA1c) __________

Kidney Function _____________

Medication Review ___________

Every 3 - 6 months

(When diagnosed)

NAME: _______________________________________________________

2

Health Check How Often? Who?

Feet When you are first diagnosed then at least every 6 months.

• Diabetes specialist

• Podiatrist

• Nurse in your community health centre

• Your Doctor

Waist/Weight When you are first diagnosed then at least every 6 months.

• Diabetes specialist

• Dietician

• Your Doctor

Blood Pressure When you are first diagnosed then at clinic visit.

• Diabetes specialist

• Diabetes nurse in your GPs clinic or community health service

• Your Doctor

3

Why?

Diabetes can affect the blood supply to your feet so it’s important that you to check your feet daily.

Some signs might be:

• Loss of feeling — numbness

• Cold feet, burning feet or pins and needles

• Changes in the shape of your toe and foot joints

• Calluses, cracks, reddened areas or blisters

The longer you have diabetes the greater your risk of having problems with your feet. These symptoms can lead to wounds not healing and ulcers.

Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. Excess fat around your middle also increases your risk of heart disease.

• Female: less than 80cm

• Male: less than 90cm

For those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander:

• Female: less than 88cm

• Male: less than 102cm

Aim for a healthy waist measurement: (As detailed by Diabetes Australia)

Your blood pressure can show how healthy your blood vessels are. If your blood pressure is high it may cause damage to blood vessels in your kidneys, eyes, heart and brain.

Aim for a blood pressure of 130 over 80 (130/80mmHg) or lower.

Take advice from your Doctor/Diabetes team.

4

Health Check How Often? Who?

HbA1C When you are first diagnosed then at least every year, but more often if your blood glucose level is not in the desired range.

• Diabetes specialist

• Your Doctor or GP Nurse

• Specialist team

Kidney Function When you are first diagnosed then at least every year, but more often if your GP recommends.

• Diabetes specialist

• Your Doctor or GP Nurse

• Specialist team

Cholesterol When you are diagnosed and then at least yearly. More often if your GP recommends.

• Diabetes specialist

• Your Doctor or GP Nurse

• Specialist team

5

Why?

It helps you and your Doctor and diabetes team understand how well your blood glucose is being controlled and what adjustments can be made to your lifestyle or medication.

Less than 53mmol/mol is good control for most people with diabetes (7%). Seek advice from your doctor or diabetes team.

At levels above 7% blood vessels and nerves are at increased risk of damage.

Over time people with diabetes face increased risk of damage to their kidneys. An early sign of kidney problems can be picked up through a sample of urine.

Blood tests can help your Doctor check how your kidneys are functioning.

Cholesterol is a type of fat in the blood. Blood fat levels can be affected by diet, alcohol, activity and medication.

Cholesterol problems are common with people with diabetes.

A total cholesterol test measures all the cholesterol in your blood. The amount of saturated fat in the food you eat can raise your cholesterol level. Aim for a total cholesterol below 4 (mmol/L).

There are two types of cholesterol: (A) LDLs known as the ’bad’ cholesterol and (B) HDLs known as the ’good’ cholesterol. (A) High levels of LDLs can block your blood vessels and your LDL should be below 2.5 (mmol/L).

Your cholesterol targets should be discussed with your Doctor or diabetes team.

6

Health Check How Often? Who?

Diabetes Education

When you are first diagnosed then at least every visit.

• Diabetes educator

• Dietitian

• Diabetes resource nurse

• Your Doctor

Healthy Eating When you are first diagnosed then at least every year.

• Dietitian

• Diabetes resource nurse

Medication When you are first diagnosed then at least every year.

• Your Doctor

• Endocrinologist or diabetes specialist

• Diabetes educator

• Your chemist

Physical Activity When diagnosed and ongoing.

At health review.

• Your Doctor

• Diabetes nurse

• Physiotherapist

• Exercise Physiologist

7

Why?

Diabetes education helps you stay healthy by helping you understand your diabetes and how to best manage it. At your diabetes education review, you can discuss test results, medication, working towards giving up smoking or reducing the amount of cigarettes you smoke, foot care, your blood glucose monitoring and equipment.

Goals:

1. Work towards quitting smoking

2. Less than 2 standard drinks as a limit for alcohol

Healthy eating education will help you understand what, when and how much to eat to control your blood glucose, your weight and your blood fats.

A review of your daily medication will make sure that you are taking the best combination of medicines for your diabetes and your health.

Physical activity helps you control your blood glucose, your weight and your blood fats. Spend some time talking about what activities you like, what is available and what the costs are. Aim for at least a total of 30 to 45 minutes a day of walking, swimming, cycling etc.

Always check with your GP about the exercises you are doing or are about to start.

8

Health Check How Often? Who?

Eye Check When you are first diagnosed and then at least every year.

Medicare rebates are available to people with diabetes for yearly eye tests.

• Optometrist

• Ophthalmologist

Dental Check At least one a year or if you notice any pain or have sore gums.

• Yourself - daily

• Dentist

• Your Doctor if needed

Mental Health Each time you visit your Doctor, Diabetes Educator or the GP Practice Nurse.

• Yourself

• Doctor

• Diabetes Nurse

• Diabetes Educator

• Specialist Team

9

Why?

Eye checks can detect damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. These changes can occur without any change to your vision but can eventually lead to blindness. Good control of blood glucose and blood pressure will help prevent damage to your eyes and your eyesight.

The longer you have diabetes the more likely you are to have damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.

• Be aware that sometimes high blood glucose levels may cause temporary blurred vision.

People with poorly controlled diabetes have a higher risk of teeth problems and gum disease than people without diabetes. This is because they have lowered resistance to infection and may not heal as easily.

Visit your dentist regularly for advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

The most common oral health problems affecting people with diabetes are:

• Periodontal (gum) disease

• Gum abscesses

• Tooth decay

• Fungal infections such as thrush

• Dry, burning mouth (low saliva levels)

Living with diabetes can be tiring and worrying for the person with diabetes and the whole family. Diabetes means having to look after yourself every single day. There is no chance for a break. This constant pressure takes its toll and at times, many people experience feelings of depression and anxiety .

You need to talk to your Doctor or the GP Nurse when you are feeling down or anxious.

SANE Helpline 1800 18 SANE (7263) www.sane.org/information/factsheets-podcasts/779-type-2-diabetes-and-mental-illness

Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 222 4636 — 24 hours/7days a week Chat line 3:00pm—12:00am/7 days a week

Lifeline 13 11 14

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To Do 2017 2018 2019

Month/s Due Month/s Due Month/s Due

Doctor Visit – 3/6 monthly

• Blood pressure

My measurements:

• Height

• Weight

• Waist

Diabetes BMI (body mass index) screen

HbA1c (2-3 times per year)

Lipids (cholesterol)

Urine

Kidney check (GFR)

Foot check

Podiatrist or nurse

Eye exam

Referral to Diabetes Team

Diabetes Educator

Dietitian

Physician

11

To Do 2017 2018 2019

Month/s Due Month/s Due Month/s Due

Team Care Arrangements (TCA) allocated to:

Dietitian

Podiatrist

Diabetes Educator

Physiotherapist

Exercise physiologist

Self blood glucose monitor

Yes/No

Normal Range

Advice

Next review

12

My Goals 2017 2018 2019

My current diabetes medications:

My targets:

13

My Goals 2017 2018 2019

I want to achieve...

Before my next visit:

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NOTES: Things to ask at my next visit

15

NOTES: Things to ask at my next visit

Interpreter Service Available

Contact:

Diabetes Australia Ph: 03 9667 1777 | www.diabetesaustralia.org.au

Diabetes Victoria Ph: 1300 136 588 | www.diabetesvic.org.au

Koorie Diabetes www.diabetesvic.org.au/how-we-help/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander/144 resources

Health Direct https://about.healthdirect.gov.au/nhsd