News

Hollywood Private Hospital’s diabetes education service expands to Ramsay Health Plus

Nov 05, 2021

The diabetes education service at Hollywood Private Hospital has expanded to Ramsay Health Plus on the Nedlands hospital campus.

The expansion will enable more patients to access the specialist holistic service in diabetes care and management provided by Diabetes Specialist Nurses Kylie Sach and Kendall Gow.

Miss Sach said access to diabetes care was the theme of World Diabetes Day on Sunday, November 14.

“Access to diabetes care is vital to help manage the alarming number of people living with the condition,” Miss Sach said.

Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia, with about 280 people developing diabetes every day and 1.8m living with the condition. ¹

Miss Sach said the prevalence of diabetes is increasing at a faster rate than heart disease and cancer.

“To reverse this trend, we need increased public awareness about prevention and the symptoms of diabetes, as well as ongoing support for people living with the condition,” Miss Sach said.

“Early diagnosis and access to treatment for diabetes is crucial to prevent long-term health complications.”

Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It is caused by the body being unable to produce insulin or to use insulin effectively.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in most cases by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and eating a balanced diet.

Symptoms of diabetes include passing more urine, feeling tired, always feeling hungry and/or thirsty, blurred vision, headaches and leg cramps.

Ms Gow said people with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition, improve their quality of life and avoid complications.

Complications from diabetes include blindness, kidney disease, limb amputations and mental health issues. ¹

Diabetes Specialist Nurses provide diabetes patients and their families with up-to-date information, referrals and ongoing support.

The role of diabetes nurses includes:

• Education – information and advice about screening, diet and lifestyle.
• Support – complementing the clinical and health care support provided by GPs.
• Collaborating – with the patient to develop a management plan tailored to suit their individual goals to improve their overall health and optimise their diabetes management.

Ms Gow said anyone experiencing one or more symptoms of diabetes should see their GP.

¹ https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/

Hollywood Private Hospital Diabetes Specialist Nurses Kendall Gow and Kylie Sach.