The festive season is a time for celebration, but it can also bring challenges for people managing diabetes. With many health services operating on reduced hours or closing over Christmas, knowing where to turn for help is essential.
The Diabetes WA Helpline and our Subiaco office will close from 2:30pm on 24 December 2025 and reopen on 5 January 2026.
For general health advice that is not an emergency, you can call Health Direct, which is available 24hrs a day on 1800 022 222.
How do you access diabetes support when your GP or health services are closed? Planning ahead and understanding your options can make all the difference in staying safe and healthy during the holidays.
In case of emergency
If you are experiencing an emergency, please ring 000. This is the fastest and safest way to get urgent help.
Seek urgent medical help when someone with diabetes is experiencing any of the following:
1. They are unconscious or unresponsive
If the person cannot swallow safely or is unconscious, do not give food or drink.
Place them in the recovery position (lying on their side) and call an ambulance immediately.
Severe hypoglycaemia can lead to seizures or coma if untreated.
2. No improvement after first aid
If they have had two lots of their usual hypo treatment (such as glucose tablets or juice) and symptoms do not improve, or they worsen, call 000.
3. Severe symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Signs like vomiting, deep/rapid breathing, fruity breath (acetone smell), confusion or dehydration can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar syndrome, both medical emergencies requiring hospital care.
4. Unable to access medical help
If they are unable to contact a GP or diabetes educator and they are deteriorating, calling an ambulance ensures timely treatment and safe transport to hospital.
Feeling unwell?
Grab your sick day plan to help you manage your diabetes and also to help you decide when you should go to a hospital.
Remember, Health Direct is available 24hrs a day on 1800 022 222.
Don’t have a sick day plan or lost it?
You can find sick day plans on the NDSS website. There are different sick day plans depending on the type of diabetes you have, whether or not you are using insulin, as well as different plans for different insulin pumps. These sick day plans are for adults with diabetes. Contact your usual paediatric diabetes service if your child with diabetes is unwell.
Having problems with diabetes technology?
If you are experiencing a technical problem with your pump or continuous glucose monitor, please contact the product’s company customer service centre. You may also have information from your Diabetes Educator to help you troubleshoot, or read our recent blog from diabetes educator Cate Mitchell on troubleshooting your continuous glucose monitor (CGM.)
Have gestational diabetes?
If you have gestational diabetes and are concerned about your glucose levels, or you are unwell, contact your GP, or the hospital where you will be delivering the baby.
Please attend your local public hospital if you are unwell, having problems with managing your glucose levels and are unable to get in contact with your GP or diabetes educator.
While the holiday period can feel uncertain when regular support is unavailable, you’re not alone. Keep emergency contacts handy, review your sick day plan, and access support from Health Direct.
By preparing now, you can enjoy the season with confidence and peace of mind, knowing you have a plan if things don’t go as expected.
Get in touch with us in the new year
If you would like to contact us during the break you can email info@diabeteswa.com.au and we will get back to you when we return. Or you can book an appointment with a diabetes educator for the new year.
