NEW TO DIABETES

For Patients who have just been diagnosed with diabetes often there are many things to understand and do.

You may have a lot of questions. At Cairns Diabetes and Endocrine we take the time to answer your questions.

What do I do once I have been diagnosed with diabetes?

If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes it can be helpful to have a checklist. This can ensure that you have all the essential information and survival skills so that you can live well with your diabetes.

Checklist for Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Find a GP that you connect with and feel comfortable to talk to about your diabetes

  • Find an endocrinologist who you can trust and is up to date with the latest in managing your diabetes

  • If your doctor suspects that you have Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus you may also need to have further blood tests €

  • Talk to your Endocrinologist and Diabetes Educator about

    • BGL monitoring

    • Healthy lifestyle

    • Driving and living with diabetes

    • What to do when sick or unwell

    • Diabetes treatments

    • Diabetes technology such as pumps and CGM

    • Healthy eating, weight and adjusting insulin for carbohydrates

  • You may find it helpful to chat to a psychologist

  • Register for the NDSS so that you can access subsidised strips, pens and needles

Checklist for Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Find a GP that you connect with and feel comfortable that you can talk to about your diabetes

  • Find an endocrinologist and who you can trust and is up to date with the latest in managing your diabetes

  • If your doctor suspects Diabetes Mellitus you may need further blood tests to confirm that you have diabetes

  • See your endocrinologist about screening for diabetes complications

  • Talk to your Endocrinologist and Diabetes Educator about

    • Blood glucose monitoring and living with diabetes

    • Healthy diet and exercise and living with diabetes

    • What to do when sick or unwell

    • Diabetes treatments

    • Diabetes complication screen and annual cycle of care

    • Healthy eating and diabetes and steps to achieve your goal weight

  • You may find it helpful to chat to a psychologist

  • Register for the NDSS so that you can access subsidised BGL strips, syringes, needles:

  • Set your own goals on how you can improve your lifestyle