Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way the body regulates blood glucose (blood sugar). It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively.

The two main types of diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes – An autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin treatment.

Type 2 diabetes – The most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin. Risk factors include increasing age, family history, excess body weight, physical inactivity, previous gestational diabetes, and some medical conditions.

Diabetes requires ongoing monitoring and management to reduce the risk of complications. Management may include regular health assessments, blood glucose monitoring, lifestyle measures, medication, and screening for diabetes-related complications.

Doctors consulting at Murray Medical Centre provide assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing management for people living with diabetes and those at increased risk of developing diabetes. Care may include medication reviews, diabetes care planning, monitoring, and referrals to diabetes educators, dietitians, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, and other health professionals where appropriate.

Murray Medical Centre encourages patients with diabetes to have a regular GP who can coordinate their ongoing care and assist with the long-term management of their condition.