Who’s in your #DiabetesVillageWA?
Every West Australian affected by diabetes needs a village around them. Each one is unique, but might include health professionals, community organisations, sporting groups and, of course, friends and family. For some people living with diabetes, the social contact from the local bowls or cricket club can make the difference. For others it might the relationship they have with their health team, or the sense of purpose they find in volunteering.
Your health team
Managing diabetes can be challenging and many people find that having support can make it easier. A trusted GP and diabetes educator can be particularly helpful as most diabetes management takes care in primary care settings.
For Danielle, who lives with type 2 diabetes, travelling to a GP who knows her well is worth the longer drive.
“I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about six years ago,” Danielle says. “Last year I ended up in the hospital and new GP couldn’t get to the bottom of it.”
Unfortunately, Danielle didn’t have access to an endocrinologist near her new home in Bunbury. The one at her local hospital had retired and his replacement only offered a private service. As the sole carer of two children with disabilities, private health insurance was not an option, and getting to Perth for hospital appointments was difficult. In the end, she travelled to her former GP in Donnybrook, who put her in touch with an endocrinologist. For Danielle, seeing a GP who knew her story was invaluable.
“She contacted Diabetes Connect for a review of my insulin doses, and we had a multi-disciplinary case conference through Diabetes WA with her, a diabetes educator and an endocrinologist. They helped me source a continuous glucose monitor.”
Danielle says being able to monitor her blood glucose levels continuously has given her a much better understanding of her diabetes.
“I realised that my extreme lows were caused by stress as well as diet, and I’ve now got a fridge full of insulin that I am not using, because I don’t need it anymore. My main fear about having diabetes is that something will happen to me, and it will mean I can’t care for my daughters. Now things are better for me and I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve been given.”
A diabetes educator can give you information about all aspects of diabetes, and your GP can arrange for a case conference with one of our endocrinologists through Diabetes Connect if you’re living in a rural area. All people living with diabetes in WA can contact diabetes educators for free advice on our helpline.
We also have innovative virtual support that allow West Australians to connect with others in their village.
BabySteps is an interactive online program designed to empower women to implement lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. You can ask a health professional any questions you might have and learn from other mums through the community support forum.
MyDESMOND is an online program that empowers people to confidently self-manage type 2 diabetes in a way that suits their lifestyle through short videos, learning sessions and interactive activities on health, diet and exercise.
Your pharmacist
A pharmacist is often the health professional you have the most contact with, and you don’t need an appointment to see them, so it’s worth building a relationship them, says clinical services manager Jessica Weiss.
“Of all the things we do to manage our diabetes, medications will have the biggest impact in lowering our blood glucose levels, along with other risk factors, so having a pharmacist in your ‘village’ who knows about your medications, how to get the most out of them, and when you might need a review – due to side effects, interactions with other medications or if it’s no longer working – is invaluable,” she says.
Finding the right pharmacist and sticking with them can have many benefits. They know your medication history, so if something changes, they will be able to review your prescriptions or discuss issues with your GP.
Pharmacists can keep track of your spending to help you qualify for the PBS Medication Safety Net, and order in your medications, store your prescriptions and manage your medications with Webster packing services.
They also have options to support you if you run out of your medication and can’t get an appointment with your GP.
“Pharmacists can also offer home medicine reviews if you are on multiple medications, vaccinations, routine screening for chronic conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and sleep apnoea – and all under one roof, and with convenient opening hours.”
Volunteering
Many organisations are looking for volunteers to help them with anything from tree planting to animal rescue to putting out bush fires.
Claire Gibney, who lives with type 1 diabetes, says that becoming a volunteer firefighter has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
“I had considered applying to the fire service for several years but never got around to it until about a year ago. I was heading home one night, and I drove past the sign on the side of the road calling for new recruits. I went along to the info night, signed up and I haven’t looked back. It’s given me a purpose in life outside of my work, it keeps me active, and there’s a real sense of community within my brigade.”
Sporting clubs
Of course, with so much on offer here in West Australia, many of us find community in our local sports club. This might be an organisation with thousands of members or an informal walking or swimming club that organises meetups on Facebook.
For Allan Simons, who lives with type 1 diabetes, his croquet club gives him not just exercise but also a sense of purpose as he volunteers there regularly, maintaining the grounds and helping out.
“I don’t think people realise how much work gets done by the volunteers, but it’s a good thing to do if you live alone – it gets you outside, in the sun and the rain, and keeps you busy and active.”
Most sporting clubs will also welcome volunteers for coaching or just helping out on game days – your commitment can be as much or as little as you want to give. And it’s good for you – numerous studies show that volunteering boosts your own wellbeing, with the benefits particularly strong in people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
A dose of the arts
Creative pursuits are a great way to meet like-minded people in a friendly environment or just practice something you enjoy, whether that’s drawing, sewing, origami, baking photography or getting lost in a good book. Even better, a recent West Australian study shows that those who take place is some kind of creative pursuit for just two hours a week report significantly better mental well-being.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone with years of experience, you’ll still feel the benefits.
UWA Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing Director, Dr Christina Davies points out, “You don’t have to be good at art for the arts to be good for you. In fact, as little as two hours of arts per week can make a tangible difference to your mental wellbeing”. She suggests checking your local paper as councils quite often will have arts events on free, visiting an art exhibition or taking a daily photo on your phone.
“There’s so much that people can do that isn’t costly but still brings joy and happiness and connection to other people.”
Church and other spiritual communities
For our HBF Run for a Reason Ambassador, Devlin Chiffings, his local church has been a source of great support.
“Church was in my life before I had diabetes and really helped me with perspective when I was first diagnosed, in reminding me of how precious life can be and how blessed I am to live in a country where I can access incredible standards of medical care and support. My church community made me feel like I wasn’t alone, and I have found that whenever I am struggling with diabetes or anything for that matter I have people in my life that support me, pray with me and encourage me that I’m inspiring others with my story specifically with my commitment to endurance sport. My community has also really helped in reminding me that living with diabetes isn’t my identity and that my identity is found in who God says I am and the many different things that make me uniquely me.”
What about kids?
Kids living with type 1 diabetes can participate in Diabetes WA’ bi-annual camp. This provides a safe and supportive environment where children living with diabetes can learn more about managing their condition, develop their self-confidence and connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Stacey Baxter, DWA’s Camps Coordinator, says that the camp has a profoundly positive impact on the community, with many families expressing how fantastic the experience has been for their kids.
“Camp gives children with diabetes a powerful sense of belonging. They’re surrounded by others who truly understand what it’s like to live with diabetes. For many, it’s the first time they don’t feel different. Camp helps kids build confidence and new friendships, share experiences and realise they’re not alone on this journey,” she says. “It creates a sense of solidarity and mutual support, which is crucial for those affected by diabetes.”
The Diabetes WA Community Network
We want the Western Australia diabetes community to be a place where friendships flourish, your voice is heard, and everyone works together for a brighter future.
We provide quality diabetes services that greatly improve outcomes and quality of life, but, to do that, we need your considered and meaningful involvement at all levels of the organisation.
Our community network is an evolving hub, designed to bring together people living with diabetes, as well as their families and carers. Anyone can join, no matter where they live in Western Australia.
Whether you’re interested in local events, sharing your skills or representing the wider diabetes community, our network is here for you. It’s a chance to work together to provide a collective voice to share your stories and advocate for your needs.
If you’re interested in joining our community network or have any questions, contact Diabetes WA today to get involved.
communitynetwork@diabeteswa.com.au
1800 001 880
