Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes: Your GP Care Plan, Allied Health & Daily Routine

What does “good diabetes control” actually mean?

Most GPs target an HbA1c (3-month average blood sugar) below 7%. Some patients
(younger, healthier, low complication risk) aim for under 6.5%. Others (older, more complications) aim
for under 8%. The goal is balance: low enough to prevent long-term damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves and
heart, but not so low that you risk hypoglycaemia.

The annual cycle of care

Australians with diabetes are entitled to a Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care — a
structured plan of regular checks, all bulk-billed. Every 3 months: HbA1c, weight, BP.
Annually: eye check (retinopathy screening), foot check (neuropathy and ulcer
prevention), kidney function (urine ACR + eGFR), lipid panel, mental health screen. Every 2
years: dietitian review.

The GP Management Plan (GPMP)

Your GP creates a written plan covering your medications, lifestyle goals, target HbA1c, and allied
health team. The GPMP unlocks Medicare-funded support — and is reviewed every 6 months.

Team Care Arrangement & 5 free allied health visits

Combined with the GPMP, a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) gives you up to 5 bulk-billed allied health
visits per calendar year. For diabetes, that typically includes: Dietitian (1–2
sessions, e.g. with Anne Zhu, our APD), Podiatrist (annual diabetic foot check + as
needed), Diabetes educator (insulin training, glucose monitoring). At Cranbourne West,
all 5 are bulk-billed at our clinic.

Medications — what’s available in 2026

Metformin remains the first-line oral medication. GLP-1 receptor
agonists (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity) are now widely available — they significantly improve
blood sugar AND help with weight loss. SGLT2 inhibitors (Forxiga, Jardiance) protect
kidneys and the heart. Insulin remains essential for some patients, especially as
diabetes progresses. Your GP will tailor the regimen to you.

Daily routines that make a difference

Morning: Check blood glucose (if your plan calls for it). Take medications with food.
Eat a high-fibre, lower-carbohydrate breakfast. Throughout the day: Aim for 10,000
steps. Stay hydrated (water, not soft drinks). Plate method — half veg, quarter lean protein, quarter
complex carbs. Evening: Avoid late-night snacking. Aim for 7+ hours of sleep — poor
sleep worsens insulin resistance. Weekly: Two strength-training sessions improve
glucose control significantly.

Mental health & diabetes

Up to 30% of people with diabetes also experience depression or anxiety — sometimes called “diabetes
distress.” This is recognised, common, and treatable. Mental Health Care Plans are available alongside
diabetes management. Don’t hesitate to mention your mental health to your GP.

When to seek urgent help

Call us or 000 if: blood glucose is over 20 mmol/L and you feel unwell, blood glucose is under 4 mmol/L
and you can’t eat (severe hypo), you have signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (very high glucose + nausea +
abdominal pain + fast breathing), unexplained foot wound that’s not healing, sudden vision changes,
chest pain or stroke symptoms.