Diabetes and Endocrinology Service - Liverpool

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I need to be referred to see an endocrinologist (eg Diabetes Centre) in managing my diabetes?
Most patients with type 2 diabetes can be managed very well by their family doctors. Most of the diabetes education can be done in the community, and we encourage you to see a dietitian in your area. However, when your diabetes control is erratic and you are reaching maximal doses of your diabetes medication, it may be time for your family doctor to refer you to see an endocrinologist (either to a private endocrinologist or to Diabetes Centre). If you have gestational diabetes (elevated glucose levels diagnosed only during pregnancy), you should be managed by an endocrinologist. You should also consider seeing an endocrinologist if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you have diabetes and are contemplating pregnancy.

How can I get an appointment at the Diabetes Clinic or Endocrine outpatient?
Please ask your family doctor to fax your referral to Diabetes Centre on 87384539. All referrals will be reviewed by our doctors who will decide the urgency of appointments. You will be sent a letter of appointment. Interpreters can be arranged if you need one. More information on the letter will help our doctors triage your referral better. For that reason, we will not be able to offer you an appointment straight away even if you bring the referral letter to the Diabetes Centre yourself.

Why do I need to see a diabetes nurse educator or dietitian?
The diabetes nurse educator (DNE) is a health care professional with specialised knowledge and skills in diabetes education and management whose role is to enable people affected by diabetes to effectively manage their condition. DNEs teach people how to adjust their lifestyle and behaviour so that they can manage their diabetes better, keep their blood sugar under control and avoid the complications of the disease.

Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. They promote good health through proper eating.  In diabetes, good eating habits can help prevent and reduce complications. Dietitians can assess what you eat and teach you about nutrition. They can help you plan improvements to your diet, based on your lifestyle and what you like to eat.

What do I have to bring to the appointment?
You should bring your Medicare card, your referral letter, a list of medications you are currently taking, any blood results done recently or any relevant X-rays or scans. If you have diabetes, please bring you blood glucose meter and the glucose record book to the appointment

What if I cannot make it to the appointment?
Please call the Diabetes Centre on 8738 4577 in advance if you cannot attend the appointment so that your spot can be offered to someone else. The waiting list to see our doctors is usually quite long.

Where is the Diabetes Centre at Liverpool Hospital?
It is located outside the hospital in Level 2 of Goulburn Street Medical Centre. The address is Suite 19, 45-47 Goulburn Street, Liverpool. There is limited parking beneath the medical centre.