This program provides education and support to consumers who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes (primary prevention), or who have developed disease and suffer from associated complications which require treatment, intervention and support (secondary prevention).

Primary prevention activities for consumers include monthly diabetes education sessions for the newly diagnosed. Participants receive information, actively engage in discussion with the facilitators and learn how to use a glucometer competently. Sessions are followed by review consultations.

Consumer’s who have secondary health issues including consumers with type 2 diabetes commencing insulin, are linked in to see the educators and are encouraged to be reviewed regularly.

The KCHS Protocol for Initiation of Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes follows the ADEA National Standards for the Development and Quality Assessment of Services Initiating Insulin in an Ambulatory Setting (2004).

KCHS in partnership with Eastern Health (EH) provides a team care approach to managing Type 2 Diabetes. Using the multidisciplinary health services at KCHS and diabetes doctors (Endocrinologist) from EH, the clinic provides cost-effective and seamless client diabetes care. As the cost of the visit to the diabetes doctors is bulk-billed to Medicare, a GP referral to IDEAS is essential. If you think this service may assist you to better manage your diabetes, have a discussion with your GP.

Clients attending the service may also receive health services from some of the following: podiatrist - who can perform a comprehensive foot assessment and management of diabetes related problems, Dietitian, Tobacco Free Clinic, Oral Health, Physiotherapist or Health Psychologist. Fees for these services will be means tested and priority is given to pension and health care card holders and low income earners.

This service runs Thursday afternoons from the Ferntree Gully site.

A GP referral is essential to attend the service.

All enquiries to KCHS reception on 9757 6200.