Living with diabetes can be challenging at times. It is a complex and serious health condition that impacts on a person’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing; requiring constant attention, motivation and resilience to manage. Diabetes Victoria's advocacy team recognise this and is here to help you.
Who we are
Diabetes Victoria’s advocacy team understands that there are many things to stay on top of when living with diabetes. All these things play an important role in our social and emotional wellbeing. The topics below are areas that we regularly encounter when speaking with people living with diabetes.
 Susanne Baxandall× SusanneHello, I am Susanne, the consumer advocacy coordinator with Diabetes Victoria. I have degrees in nursing and social work. My work has been in the not-for-profit health sector. I am passionate about working towards people with diabetes and their family members having access to the very best of affordable whole person healthcare in their community. Away from work I enjoy gardening, jazz, travelling, learning other languages and volunteering for Trades Hall. Our team of Julie, Karen and myself work alongside people with diabetes when they want someone to listen, understand and help with current concerns about living with this health condition. Each year we have 1500 plus contacts with people with diabetes, their family members and diabetes health professionals across Victoria. Your stories tell us about your collective concerns and guide our work. |  Julie Davie× JulieHi, I’m Julie and I’m one of the advocacy officers at Diabetes Victoria. I have a degree in social sciences, majoring in counselling as well as experience in working on various telephone helplines. I am committed to actively supporting the healthcare efforts and choices people living with diabetes make to best manage their health condition. My role is to work alongside them and their family, carers and friends to remain engaged, informed and encouraged about their diabetes journey, that impacts on all aspects of their lives and enjoy overall good health and wellbeing. When not working, I love to cook, travel and spend time at the beach. I am also a keen walker, gardener and tennis player. |  Karen Crawford× Karen CrawfordHi there, my name is Karen and I’m one of the advocacy officers here at Diabetes Victoria. I am also a registered nurse and credentialled diabetes educator and have been living with type 1 diabetes for 40+ years. I am passionate about combining my lived experience with my professional knowledge to work alongside and assist people with diabetes to find and access the supports they are entitled to so they can live well and flourish. Away from work I enjoy being a Nanna and spending time with family; I also like walking, travelling, cooking, knitting and sewing. |
We can help by:
- Listening to your diabetes story
- Working alongside you on any concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing
- Linking you with services, resources and information
- Building on your strengths and abilities to find solutions
- Working towards services and policies that value your lived experience and better support you in the ongoing management of your diabetes.
The most common topics people living with diabetes seek our advice and support on are listed below.
If you have any further questions or would like to speak to someone from our team, please call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to the advocacy team. Alternatively, you can email advocacy@diabetesvic.org.au to arrange a conversation.
 Emotional healthLiving with diabetes can be challenging at times. At times, you may feel like diabetes is just getting too much. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Help and support is available. |  Workplace and diabetesMost people with diabetes have long and successful working lives across lots of interesting jobs. We have booklets about diabetes in the workplace for people with diabetes, their employers and co-workers. |  Driving and diabetesDriving a motor vehicle is a complex task involving perception, appropriate judgement, adequate response time and reasonable physical capability. For people with diabetes, the ability to drive safely can be affected by a number of factors. |
 Cutting CostsManaging diabetes is expensive. The following are some cost saving tips for eye and dental care and taking medicines. |  Diabetes and coming to AustraliaSome countries have arrangements with the Australian government to provide health care to their citizens while they are in Australia. These include Reciprocal Health Care Agreements and a temporary Medicare Card. |  Finding diabetes servicesThere are many support services that offer information to help people living with diabetes. The following articles outline the services available. |
 Insurance and diabetesMost people living with diabetes can obtain insurance; whether it be life insurance, income protection insurance, private health insurance or travel insurance. |  Medicare and diabetesMedicare is Australia's universal health care system and covers many health care costs. |  Centrelink and diabetesYou may be entitled to money from Centrelink if you have diabetes. You can contact Centrelink to check if you are able to receive a payment or concession as a person with diabetes or a family carer. |
 Additional information and resourcesThis section covers additional information that people with diabetes may need |
