COUNTRY people newly diagnosed with diabetes are encouraged to seek help early to prevent complications from the disease.
Timely access to help is the message behind national diabetes week.
People who do not have access to a diabetes educator near home are urged to participate in videoconferencing with the Diabetes Telehealth Service (DTS).
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWRun by Diabetes WA for the WA Country Health Service, DTS is a free clinical support service for people in rural WA living with diabetes.
Diabetes educator Rebecca Flavel said there could be serious repercussions for people who do not act quickly to changes habits after diagnosis.
“People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease,” she said.
It is estimated more than 123,000 West Australians live with diabetes, and almost 30 per cent of people in WA live outside major cities.
Videoconference appointments are available at a local hospital, health centre, community resource centre and from home where there is good internet coverage.
People can self-refer to the Diabetes Telehealth Service or be referred by their doctor, nurse or allied health professional.
For details, call 1300 001 880 and ask for telehealth, or visit www.diabeteswa.com.au.
MORE: Bellevue: historic blunder feared over Darling Range Hotel proposal
MORE: Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council leads the way in sustainability