Diabetes Care

 

We are glad to welcome our new diabetic educator Carolyn Nugent to Queensgate Medical Centre. Carolyn is a community based Diabetes Educator who works in private practice supporting specialists and GP medical centres. She delivers informative diabetes education and support for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Carolyn provides professional, quality support and advice and is dedicated to helping clients achieve healthier individual outcomes.

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At Queensgate Medical Centre our team of Doctors and in-house Diabetes Educator, Carolyn Nugent work together to establish the best possible diabetic treatment plans for patients. Some of the key areas our team focus on include:

 

• the psychosocial factors that can impact a patient's ability to self-manage their diabetes.

• education of patients and their families on how to reduce risk of Diabetes related complications. 

• support to patients with diabetes to help them monitor their own blood glucose readings with glucometers and continuous glucose monitors.

• Education prevention and treatment of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) and  hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose).

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What is Diabetes?

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Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. We do not know what causes this auto-immune reaction. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. There is no cure and it cannot be prevented.

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Type 1 diabetes:

• Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin

• Represents around 10% of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions

• Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms obvious

• Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue and blurred vision

• Is managed with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump.

 

Type 2 Diabetes

 

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. We do not know what causes type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Type 2 diabetes also has strong genetic and family related risk factors.

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Type 2 diabetes:

• Is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (reduced insulin production) and/or the insulin does not work effectively and/or the cells of the body do not respond to insulin effectively (known as insulin resistance)

• Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes

• Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents and young adults

• Is more likely in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes or from particular ethnic backgrounds

• For some the first sign may be a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision problems or a foot ulcer

• Is managed with a combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight reduction. As type 2 diabetes is often progressive, most people will need oral medications and/or insulin injections in addition to lifestyle changes over time.