Diabetes Services

The Diabetes Specialist Nurse Service provides education and support for adolescents and adults living with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes within the hospital and community.

The aim of the service is to work collaboratively with clients living with diabetes, along with their whānau, primary care team, community agencies and hospital services.

The consultation can be carried out at home, at a clinic, hospital setting, or wherever you want to meet. You can expect an assessment, an agreed management plan, on-going education and follow up as required.

Our specialist diabetes nurse is a resource for whānau and clinicians, with advanced knowledge around medications and diabetic conditions. The service also provides up to date treatment options and the most relevant, evidence-based information and management care plans for whānau.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.

Type 1 Diabetes is an “auto-immune” condition which cannot be prevented, but can be managed through a combination of medication, healthy food choices and exercise. Of all the people with diabetes, it is estimated that about 10% of them have Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of Diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the cells in the body don’t recognise the insulin that is present. For many (but not all) people, Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

Find out more about Diabetes on the Diabetes NZ Website.