Promoting diabetes management in the north - Northern Health

Media releaseTuesday, 23 October, 2012PROMOTING DIABETES MANAGEMENT IN THE NORTHNorthern Health, in collaboration with Diabetes Australia, will host an Information seminar specificallytargeted at those with Type 1 diabetes on Tuesday, 30 October at The Northern Hospital.Type 1 in the North aims to connect and educate people with Type 1 diabetes living in the northernsuburbs of Melbourne.Northern Health CEO, Greg Pullen, said rates of diabetes in Melbourne’s north continue to growalong with the local population boom.“The cities of Whittlesea and Hume are now considered two of metropolitan Melbourne’s biggestgrowth areas for diabetes,” said Mr Pullen.“People with type 1 diabetes depend on up to four insulin injections every single day and need tomonitor their blood glucose levels several times a day.”“Whilst the onset of type 1 diabetes typically occurs in people under 30 years, it can happen at anyage. About 10-15 per cent of all cases of diabetes are type 1,” Mr Pullen said.This is the first time an information seminar specific to Type 1 diabetes has been run by NorthernHealth, and will be open to all members of the community, and not just those who are patients withthe health service.“Northern Health aims to provide extensive support, expert advice and education to those with Type 1diabetes,” said Mr Pullen.“Northern Health runs diabetes outpatients clinics each week across all of our campuses;Broadmeadows Health Service, Bundoora Extended Care Centre, Craigieburn Health Service andThe Northern Hospital.”“We have a number of skilled Diabetes Nurse Educators and experienced Diabetes Dietitians workingacross Northern Health,” Mr Pullen said.“Our Diabetes Nurse Educators and Dietitians work closely with the treating Endocrinologists toensure patients have the correct medication, advise them on what to eat in order to maintainappropriate blood glucose levels and help them to develop a diabetes management plan.”“Although there is no prevention or cure for Type 1 diabetes, we can continue to educate thecommunity and assist them to manage their condition,” said Mr Pullen.“I encourage anyone with Type 1 diabetes to come along to this information seminar and connect withothers in their local community.”Media Contacts: Ryan Brown 8405 8026Emma Woodall 8405 8809After Hours 8405 2888

Type 1 in the North is a free session that will take place at the Northern Hospital on Tuesday, 30October at 6pm.Places are limited and bookings essential. Please call Diabetes Australia – Vic on 1300 136 588 toregister and for more information.Media Contacts: Ryan Brown 8405 8026Emma Woodall 8405 8809After Hours 8405 2888