Here to help Meet our team of experts

Meet our experts – they’ll advise you on all aspects of your diabetes management

In conversation with…

Dr Kate Marsh, credentialled diabetes educator and accredited practising dietitian

What does a diabetes educator do?

A credentialled diabetes educator (CDE) will teach you about insulin and medications, how to monitor blood glucose levels (BGLs), healthy lifestyle habits and preventing complications. They’ll work with you on your main goals and concerns and some strategies to help address these. They’ll be individualised depending on your needs and the changes you’re able to make.

Will a diabetes educator ask me to make big changes?

A CDE will present different options and personalise it to you and what you’re able to do. It’s not about changing everything overnight, but picking the biggest priorities for your situation.

How would I be eased into a big lifestyle change?

If you need to increase exercise a CDE will ask you what you like doing, what you have access to and when you can fit in exercise. Food-wise, it depends on your situation at home, budget and who you’re cooking for. We work with you to determine what is realistic and, importantly, what you can sustain in the long term, and will usually refer you to other diabetes health professionals including a dietitian and exercise physiologist, who can teach you more about the role of food and exercise in your diabetes management plan.

What advice do you give?

Having diabetes isn’t necessarily easy but it is manageable. It’s about learning how different factors such as food, exercise and stress affect BGLs.

I was 10 when I saw my first CDE in hospital after I was diagnosed with type 1. I was inspired to study dietetics then diabetes education. I love helping others with diabetes, and having a real understanding of what they are going through is a huge benefit.