NSW Health is focused on preventing and reducing the impact of diabetes. There are a range of local and statewide programs that focus on:
NSW Health is working closely with partners to develop these programs and to ensure that patients with diabetes are receiving the best care, in the most appropriate setting.
The information below provides guidance, advice and helpful resources for patients with diabetes and their families.
After your diagnosis you should speak to your general practitioner (GP) who can work with you to prepare a diabetes care plan. This plan encourages you to be actively involved in your care. While it specifically relates to the management of your diabetes, your general health and wellbeing will also be considered. The care plan will identify the health professionals that can support you to manage your diabetes. These may include:
Some of these healthcare professionals will be Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDE), who are certified by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association. A CDE can provide:
You can receive rebates on services provided by a CDE through:
[back to top]
You should register with the NDSS as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes. This will give you access to subsidised diabetes products and support services to assist you to self-manage your life with diabetes. Registration for the NDSS is free and should be done with your health professional. A doctor, nurse practitioner or credentialled diabetes educator can help you complete the form.
The NDSS is an Australian Government initiative and is administered with the assistance of Diabetes Australia.
Diabetes NSW & ACT are a trusted source of information and have a number of factsheets that have been designed to help you better manage your diabetes, stay healthy and live well.
They cover a wide range of topics designed to help you maintain your good physical and mental health and lower the risk of developing complications.
You can access other helpful resources on Diabetes NSW & ACT.
The Get Healthy Service is a free phone and online NSW Health coaching service supporting people over 16 years of age living in NSW to make lifestyle changes.
The program can support people to:
Visit the Get Healthy NSW website for further information, or call 1300 806 258 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
The Active and Healthy website is funded by NSW Health to assist people over 50 and health professionals to find evidence-based physical activity programs and activities across NSW. Active and Healthy provides an up-to-date directory for location specific exercise programs, with printable searches and resources to support an active lifestyle.
The website also includes programs delivered by exercise physiologists for the management and treatment of diabetes, through a series of group exercise sessions and educational information. Further program details and eligibility for health rebates is available on the individual program listing.
Accredited exercise physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who have the skills and knowledge to prescribe exercise as medicine for those living with chronic conditions like diabetes. Find out more about how an exercise physiologist can help you or find an Exercise physiologist near you on Exercise & Sports Science Australia
Before commencing a regular exercise program see your doctor for a full medical examination.