​To prevent and reduce the impact of diabetes a range of local and statewide programs focus on:

  • improving the management of diabetes when patients are in hospital
  • care for people with diabetes high risk foot issues
  • self-management of diabetes
  • healthy eating and active living.

NSW Health is working closely with its partners to develop these programs and to ensure that patients with diabetes receive the best care, in the most appropriate setting.

On this page

Getting to know your healthcare providers

If you are diagnosed with diabetes speak to your general practitioner (GP) who will work with you to prepare a diabetes care plan. This plan will help you to play an active role in your healthcare and manage your diabetes, as well as your general health and wellbeing.

It will identify the health professionals that can support you to manage your diabetes. These may include:

  • Aboriginal health workers
  • dietitians
  • exercise physiologists
  • nurses
  • optometrists
  • other doctors, including specialists
  • pharmacists
  • physiotherapists
  • podiatrists
  • psychologists.

Some of these healthcare professionals will be Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), who are certified by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association. A CDE can provide:

  • support and assistance for those with diabetes
  • education and training
  • clinical care and management
  • information, knowledge, skills and strategies for managing diabetes
  • assistance with setting goals for self-management.

You can receive rebates on services provided by a CDE through:

  • Medicare Australia
  • the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
  • some private health insurers.

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Registering for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

As soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes, register with the NDSS. This will give you access to subsidised diabetes products and support services to help you to self-manage your life with diabetes. Registration is free and can be done with your health professional. A doctor, nurse practitioner or credentialled diabetes educator will help you to complete the form.

The NDSS is an Australian Government initiative and is delivered with Diabetes Australia.

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Helpful resources

Diabetes NSW & ACT resources

Diabetes NSW & ACT is a trusted source of information with factsheets and other resources designed to help you better manage your diabetes, stay healthy and live well.

These resources cover a wide range of topics to help you maintain good physical and mental health and lower the risk of developing complications.

Get Healthy

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, for example to:

  • set and achieve their health goals
  • eat well and keep active
  • reduce alcohol
  • reach and stay at a healthy weight
  • gain a healthy amount of weight in pregnancy
  • stay active during and after cancer treatment

Visit the Get Healthy NSW​​ website for more details or call 1300 806 258 Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.

NSW Active and Healthy

The Active and Healthy website helps 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 exercise programs in your local area, with printable searches and resources to support an active lifestyle.

The website also highlights programs led by exercise physiologists for the management and treatment of diabetes, with group exercise sessions, educational information and details about eligibility for health rebates.

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. Learn more or find an exercise physiologist near you by visiting the Exercise & Sports Science Australia website.

See your doctor for a full medical examination before starting a regular exercise program.

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Current as at: Friday 5 July 2024
Contact page owner: Strategic Reform and Planning