Managing Diabetes: How Your GP Can Help
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects nearly 2 million Australians, and managing it effectively is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At Epichealth, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and support to help you manage diabetes and live your best life. Here is how you can stay on top of your health and get the support you need from your GP.
Understanding the risks
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. These risks include heart disease, kidney damage, vision problems, and nerve damage. Factors that increase your risk of developing diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
- High blood pressure
Recognising the symptoms
Early detection of diabetes can make a significant difference in managing the condition. Be aware of the following symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
Getting Support from your General Practitioner
At Epichealth, our dedicated GPs are here to help you navigate the challenges of diabetes. We offer:
- Diabetes screening: Early detection is key. Our GPs can perform diabetes screening to help diagnose and manage the condition as early as possible.
- Personalised care plans: Tailored to your specific needs, our care plans may include dietary advice, exercise recommendations, and medication management.
- Regular monitoring: Keep track of your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol with regular check-ups with your doctor.
- Compassionate support: Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.
Allied Health Services Available for Managing Diabetes
Our Epichealth clinics on the Bellarine also provide access to a range of allied health services to support people with diabetes. These include:
- Dietetics: Receive expert advice on nutrition and meal planning to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Psychology: Address the emotional and mental health aspects of living with diabetes.
- Physiotherapy: Improve your physical activity and manage any diabetes-related complications.
- Audiology: Monitor and manage any hearing issues that can be associated with diabetes.