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Ask your GP about Diabetes WA Connect
Specialist diabetes advice — without leaving your GP
Managing diabetes can be complicated, and sometimes you may feel you need specialist advice.
Through Diabetes WA Connect, your GP can access specialist diabetes support from an endocrinologist — often with a quick phone discussion.
That means your GP may be able to get specialist input without you having to wait months for an appointment or travelling to a hospital clinic.
Ask your GP about Diabetes WA Connect.
What is Diabetes WA Connect?
Diabetes WA Connect allows your GP to speak directly with an endocrinologist about your diabetes care.
Your GP remains your primary doctor and continues to manage your treatment, but they can access specialist advice when it may be helpful.
This helps keep your diabetes care close to home and centred around your GP.
How Diabetes WA Connect supports your care
Diabetes WA Connect is designed to support your GP and complement specialist care.
It does not replace referrals to an endocrinologist or specialist appointments.
Instead, it can help:
- clarify treatment options while you are waiting for a specialist appointment
- support your GP in managing your care between specialist visits
- help your GP decide whether a referral is needed
- connect you with additional diabetes support services
Sometimes a short discussion between your GP and a specialist can help clarify the next step in your care.
Why should I ask my GP?
You might ask your GP about Connect if:
- your blood glucose levels have been difficult to manage
- you have questions about your medications or treatment
- you’re not sure what the next step in your diabetes care should be
- you have new symptoms or complications you’re concerned about
- you’re waiting to see an endocrinologist and need support in the meantime
Your GP will decide whether Diabetes WA Connect is appropriate for your situation.
Keep your care centred around your GP
Your GP knows your health history and understands the bigger picture of your health.
Diabetes WA Connect helps your GP access specialist diabetes support while keeping your care coordinated through the doctor who knows you best.
Your GP remains responsible for your treatment decisions and ongoing care.
Connecting you to the right support
Through Diabetes WA Connect, your GP may also connect you with other Diabetes WA services that can support you, including:
• diabetes educators
• dietitians
• telehealth services
• the Diabetes WA clinic
• community support programs
This helps ensure you receive the right support at the right time.
Your GP can ask the questions you may not know to ask
You don’t have to be an expert in every aspect of diabetes care.
Your GP knows your health history, medications and other health conditions. They can recognise what may be important, explain the bigger picture and ask an endocrinologist the clinical questions that can help determine your next step.
Diabetes WA Connect gives your GP another way to advocate for you and keep your care connected.
Ask your GP about Diabetes WA Connect
If something about your diabetes management doesn’t feel right, talk to your GP about whether Connect could help.
You could simply ask:
Could Diabetes WA Connect help with this?”
Your GP will decide whether the service is appropriate and can arrange the discussion with a diabetes specialist.
Diabetes WA Connect is supported by the Australian Government under the PHN Program, commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance, and through partnership funding from the Western Australian Government Department of Health.