Educator Kathy Harrison helps her patients manage diabetes at the new QML Pathology care clinic. <\/p>\n
Sarah Harvey <\/p>\n
A NEW diabetes care clinic in Ipswich will help cut the average six-month wait for patients needing to see an educator. <\/p>\n
QML Pathology has opened several fully bulk-billed clinics around Queensland to meet the demand for treatment relating to Australia's fastest growing chronic disease. <\/p>\n
Medical director Dr Debra Norris said the clinics would dramatically slash waiting times for both new and existing patients. <\/p>\n
\"QML's diabetes care clinics will provide welcome relief for the public health system,\" Dr Norris said. <\/p>\n
\"Working in collaboration with the patient's own GP, early action following a diagnosis is crucial to a patient's long-term health. <\/p>\n
\"All new patients can be seen within two weeks, with priority given to newly diagnosed patients. <\/p>\n
\"This is great news for the one in 10 Queenslanders who suffer from diabetes.\" <\/p>\n
Credentialed diabetes educator Kathy Harrison has been working with QML Pathology for more than 12 months. <\/p>\n
Ms Harrison has noticed that younger patients are developing diabetes. <\/p>\n
\"I've seen people in their 20s,\" she said. <\/p>\n
\"It's not just because of diet - it's family and history. <\/p>\n
\"There are a lot of complications with untreated diabetes. <\/p>\n
\"It's one of the leading causes of blindness, and the risk of heart disease and stroke increases.\" <\/p>\n
Ms Harrison said men and women with type 2 diabetes might not have symptoms, or be sick enough to go to their doctor. <\/p>\n
\"People with type 2 diabetes, they account for 85% of people we see,\" she said. <\/p>\n
\"Diabetes is problems to do with your insulin. There are lots of treatment options. We can help them manage it easily. <\/p>\n
\"Our patients are referred by the GP and at our first meeting we will run through their medical background, look at their glucose levels and pathology tests. <\/p>\n
\"For newly diagnosed patients, we'll answer any questions and ensure they are equipped with all the information they need to manage their condition.\" <\/p>\n
For details about the diabetes care clinics, visit diabetes.medway.com.au or phone 5441 0200. <\/p>\n
FAST FACTS <\/p>\n
An estimated 275 Australians develop diabetes every day. Almost one million Australians are currently diagnosed with diabetes. Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in Australia. Symptoms include frequent urination and tiredness.<\/p>\n
Original post: Educator Kathy Harrison helps her patients manage diabetes at the new QML Pathology care clinic. Continue reading
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