June 2005 Edition Of The Shepparton Advisor Monthly Column

DIABETES CARE AT SHEPPARTON PRIVATE HOSPITAL.

Shepparton Private Hospital employs a Diabetes Educator – Wendy Pogue. Wendy is an experienced Registered Nurse who has completed a Post Graduate qualification in Diabetes Education and Health Care.

Diabetes Education aims at empowering people with Diabetes to take responsibility fo rtheir own care. Management is a collaborative approach where the person with diabetes can make informed choices and gain full knowledge and understanding of their disease with the help of the Diabetes Educator.

Patients admitted to Shepparton Private Hospital can be referred to Wendy at no extra cost. This service can assist them by providing information and resources aimed at improved management of their diabetes. For example Wendy may discuss the impact of life style issues such options for physical activity and community resources for people with diabetes .

WHAT IS DIABETES

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in an raised glucose (sugar) concentration in the blood.
This occurs because the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas is either deficient or is unable to work properly.
There are different types of diabetes resulting from different causes, the two main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 previously known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (I DDM) and
• Type 2 previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)

Type 1 occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin and although it can occur at any age, Type 1 usually affects children and young adults.
Type 1 accounts for 10-15% of the population with diabetes.

Treatment involves daily insulin injections combined with a healthy lifstyle.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and accounts for 85-90% of all cases.

It is an insidious disease that may often only be diagnosed when complications are present. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes has risen significantly over the last 10 years and we now know that certain life style factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and poor diet are major contributors to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Learn more about Diabetes at our:

Free Community Health Education Evening

Monday 20th June at 7pm at the hospital

Diabetes
Facts and Fiction

Wendy Pogue- Diabetes Educator
Wendy Swan- Dietitian

We would appreciate prior notification of your attendance. Please ring the hospital on 58321270 to register your name.

A light supper will be provided.