Diabetes and Endocrinology
Young Adult Diabetes
The Young Adult diabetes Clinic has now been in operation for five years. It is currently staffed by a Diabetes Specialist Dr Jane Holmes-Walker, a diabetes educator Angela Llewellyn and our dietitian to the clinic, Renee Mallon. The clinic aims to provide a comprehensive Young Adult Diabetes Service which recognises and caters to the distinct needs of the young adult as compared with that of the child with diabetes. The clinic was first developed to enable appropriate transition of the young adult from Paediatric clinics to Westmead Hospital recognising that this may occur at different ages depending on the needs of the individual. The clinic is set up to allow interaction within the clinic environment with other young adults with diabetes. The clinics are held in the Diabetes Centre rather than the University clinic for this reason.
The purpose of a Young Adult Diabetes Clinic is to facilitate development of independence in diabetes management by teaching about:
- Food management
- Insulin therapy
- Prevention of diabetes complications
- Appropriate intervals for screening for diabetes complications
- Pre-conception/contraception advice for females with diabetes.
Diabetes management needs to be tailored to individual needs while not neglecting the importance of family and social dynamics in achieving this. We aim to reduce the impact of diabetes on quality of life through the development of independence in diabetes management and by increasing the Young adults sense of control over diabetes. We are happy to involve general practitioners in the care of individuals with diabetes.
Clinic Venue:
The Diabetes Centre (DEACC) at Westmead Hospital. Level 1 CD block.
Appointments: Phone 9845 6466 or 9845 6224. Held on Wednesday afternoons fortnightly
from 2pm - 6pm. Last appointment 5.30 pm.
The age range is 15-25 year olds.
Referrals to Dr Jane Holmes-Walker (GP referrals 12 mths, Specialist referrals 3 mths)
For more information contact our Diabetes Educator:
Angela Llewellyn on 9845 6466
