Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing your condition for a while, living with type 2
diabetes can often feel overwhelming.
HBF is here to help support you to create healthy, lasting lifestyle changes, empowering you to feel your best
and prevent future health complications.
Understanding type 2 diabetes
Our bodies need a hormone called insulin to break down glucose in the bloodstream (sometimes referred to as blood
sugar), so that it can be used for energy.1
In type 2 diabetes, the body either stops producing enough insulin, or becomes unable to respond to insulin
properly. This results in high blood glucose levels, which can cause symptoms such as excessive thirst and
urination, hunger, fatigue and lethargy.1
Over time, diabetes can lead to serious complications including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems,
foot problems and vision loss1, making early intervention and regular health checks all
the more important, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms.
"Diabetes is a progressive condition and you may not notice any changes, as they happen in tiny increments," says
HBF dietitian Mary Du Heaume.
"Don’t wait for problems before you have a plan. Being proactive with early treatment and careful
management is the best way to reduce your risk of serious complications.”
Creating a diabetes-friendly lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle choices including consuming a nutritious diet, undertaking regular exercise and monitoring your
blood glucose levels can help you manage type 2 diabetes.1
"Food has a major influence on your blood glucose levels, especially carbohydrate food," Du Heaume says.
"Understanding how to build a healthy pattern of eating over the long term can help you manage your blood glucose
levels, manage your weight and reduce your risk of diabetes complications."
As a starting point, Du Heaume recommends following the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, with regular healthy
meals spread across the day to keep you energised and avoid large increases in blood glucose.2
"However, there is no one diet that fits all for diabetes," reminds Du Heaume. "Diet is a very individual thing,
and Diabetes Australia recommends all people with diabetes see a dietitian for personalised advice levels."
Your diabetes support team
A range of health professionals – from your GP to a dietitian, optometrist, pharmacist and more – can
form your support team, helping you navigate your diabetes management and create a healthy lifestyle plan.
"Early detection and treatment, a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups are key to managing type 2 diabetes,"
explains Du Heaume.
"It’s important to make sure you’re connecting with your doctors and other health professionals who
can really help you with your own understanding of diabetes and what good management looks like.
"This allows you to take ownership of your health, so you can be more informed about the choices you make and the
impact those choices can have."
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about navigating your health care, a good place to start is by exploring the
National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and Diabetes Australia. They can provide information and
resources to get you on the right path.
How can your diabetes support team help?
Below are some of the health professionals who Diabetes Australia suggests can help you with different aspects of
your diabetes management.
- Your GP is your primary health provider, checking your diabetes and helping you manage it.
They
can refer you to other specialists you may need to see.
- A diabetes educator can work with you to help you understand and manage your diabetes.
Visit the Australian Diabetes Educators Association to find out more.
- A dietitian
can help you understand how food affects your blood glucose levels and work with you to develop a
personalised
healthy eating plan.
- Your dentist
needs to regularly check your teeth and gums, as diabetes can
increase your risk of dental problems including tooth decay and gum disease3.
- A podiatrist helps you look after your
feet, which is important because
diabetes increases your risk of foot ulcers and amputations4.
- An optometrist
can screen for eye problems such as diabetic eye disease, which can lead to vision loss and blindness if
left
untreated5. Diabetes Australia recommends an
eye
check every two years.
- An ophthalmologist can monitor diabetic eye disease and provide treatment. Your optometrist
or
GP can refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.
- An exercise
physiologist or physiotherapist can help you work out an exercise plan to support your
diabetes management.
- A pharmacist
at your local pharmacy (an NDSS Access Point) can help you understand your medication.
- An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who can provide expert advice on managing your
diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes often don’t need to see an endocrinologist straight away, but
you
might in future.
- A counsellor,
psychologist,
psychiatrist or social worker can help you if you’re feeling
stressed or
struggling with the emotional impact of managing diabetes.
How HBF can help with diabetes
Depending on your cover,
HBF extras
can pay benefits towards visits to the dentist, a dietitian, a podiatrist,
an exercise physiologist, a physiotherapist or a psychologist.
HBF hospital cover
may pay benefits for insulin pumps, as well as hospital treatments that may
be required for diabetes (such as stabilisation of hypo- or hyperglycaemia
and lumps and bumps from insulin injections).
Eligible HBF hospital members may also have access to
The COACH Program, an evidence-based telephone coaching service to help you manage type 2
diabetes.
What is The COACH Program?
The COACH Program is a six-month telephone support program designed for chronic health conditions, including
diabetes.
Funded by HBF as part of your hospital cover*, The COACH Program aims to support your wellness journey after a
diabetes diagnosis, enhancing overall wellbeing and minimising the risk of complications.
Tailored to your specific needs, each coaching session is designed to assist you in reaching your personal health
goals. A team of qualified professionals provides practical advice, delivering reliable and easily understandable
information to empower you in managing your health effectively.
Remember, you’re not alone. With the right support, you can develop a type 2 diabetes management plan that keeps you
feeling healthy and reduces your risk of future complications.
Disclaimers:
*HBF health support programs are fully-covered for members who hold an eligible level of HBF hospital cover and meet the program eligibility criteria. Members may only participate in each HBF health support program once per lifetime.
This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal
situation or
needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider
whether
the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.