Diabetes SA is a member-based association founded in 1953 in South Australia. Directly following the visit of Canadian scientist and co-discoverer of insulin Dr. Charles Best in 1952, Diabetes SA was created in response to Best’s encouragement for the a diabetic association. Self-funded the Diabetes Association SA uses membership fees, subscriptions, fundraising activities, and their shops to support their efforts in prevention, diagnosis, management, and cure-based research. Specifically addressing the need in South Australia, Diabetes SA provides information, support, education, and products to diabetic patients, supplementing the national health care system’s diabetes efforts. Addressing the diversity of the population of South Australia, the Diabetes SA website (www.diabetessa.com.au) is available in English, Greek, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, German, and Vietnamese.
SA Diabetes Association – Consultations
Diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease with 600 people diagnosed with diabetes in South Australia every month. The Diabetes SA website provides general information on type 1, 2, and gestational diabetes, including prevention methods, pre-diabetes information and diagnosis information. Once individuals are diagnosed with diabetes they can book one on one consultations with Credentialed Diabetes Educators through the Diabetes SA website. Group sessions are also available with Diabetes Educators and Dieticians. Consultations cost $30 for Diabetes SA members and $60 for nonmembers. For those who have questions but do not do not wish to make an appointment can call the Diabetes SA information line (1300 136 588) Monday through Friday from 9am – 4pm. The information line is available to members and non-members alike, though it is not an emergency service.
Diabetes SA – Membership
Diabetes SA operates a members Library open Monday to Friday in Hilton, SA. The library has information on: self-management, complications, nutrition, diet, weight loss, exercise, awareness, diabetes in pregnancy, diabetes in children, reports, reviews, and medical directories. Members can check out three items for a period of two weeks at a time. Membership benefits include access to 45 different information sheets for diabetes management, Diabetes SA magazines Living and Issues, invitations to participate in seminars, discounted service prices, blood meter support, educational programs and activities such as the Living Well with Diabetes Program, supermarket tours, carbohydrate counting, children’s camp, and a 20% discount on all Diabetes SA products. Products are available from the Diabetes SA online shop where you can create an account and in the Diabetes SA retail store. The store is open six days a week and stocked with dietary products appropriate for diabetics and celiacs. The store also carries diabetes meters and accessories, books, foot care and more.
Diabetes SA is a resource for health care professionals, offering an Affiliated Membership program.
