Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition which can result in disability and early death. Management of the person with diabetes requires the skills of several professionals (General Practitioner, Ophthalmologist or Optometrist, Dietitian, exercise professional and Dentist) and the active participation of the patient.

Gold Coast General Practices are assisted to support their patients with diabetes by:

• The Diabetes Resource Centre at the Southport campus, Gold Coast Hospital phone 5519 8535 - diabetes education courses, advice from nurses and dietitians; a full time podiatrist who will usually provide an urgent appointment for patients presenting with a foot ulcer
• Financial incentives available under Medicare for managing diabetes include chronic disease payments  and PIP payments
• The Diabetes Australia Queensland Branch has an excellent website that includes a range of patient information
• The RACGP and Diabetes Australia publish a practical guide “Diabetes Management in General Practice 2009/10” . 
• The Division supports practices to improve clinical care of their diabetes patients via a range of activities including clinical updates, extracting data from the practice’s database and quality improvement activities
• A report on the outcomes from a local diabetes collaborative
• The Division’s diabetes patient to assist patients to manage their disease and the flow of information between health professionals (contact the Division on 07 5507 7777)