What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This happens because the pancreas stops producing insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the insulin produced is not effective in transporting glucose from the blood to the body's cells (Type 2 diabetes).

Diabetes can cause serious health problems (damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, feet) if it is not well controlled. Good diabetes care can reduce the risk of developing these complications.

On this website our aim is to provide you with the information that will help you make informed decisions about your health care.

We will be adding more information to this site over the next few weeks.

• See your family doctor (GP) if you or a family member think they might have diabetes.  
• If you are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes your GP will refer you to the diabetes service.  
• If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes your GP and Practice Nurse will help you manage your diabetes. They will refer you to the Diabetes Service if your diabetes control is not responding to treatment.    
• Referrals to the Diabetes Clinic are prioritised (given a position on a list of other referrals) depending on your condition and its severity.  
• The average waiting time before an appointment at a clinic ranges from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on priority.  
• At the Diabetes Clinic, you may see one or more of the following people: Diabetes Physician, Diabetes Nurse Educator or Dietitian. From time to time other health professionals may need to be involved in your care. We will refer you as required.  
• You may have ongoing follow-up in the diabetes clinic or have your treatment carried out by your GP with advice from the specialist.

There are no charges to attend the Diabetes Clinic unless patient is not eligible for service