Diabetes Consults Available Online via Bulk Billed GP
Living with diabetes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With .doctor, you can connect with a doctor for diabetes through fully bulk-billed telehealth consultations. Our GPs provide the advice, prescriptions and support you need to stay healthy—all with no out-of-pocket costs.
- Instant diabetes script sent by SMS to you or your pharmacy
- Appointments available 7 days a week
- Fully bulk billed to Medicare
Start managing your diabetes today.
Book your consultation now
Ready to access bulk-billed doctor appointments?
Become a .doctor family member and gain access to unlimited bulk-billed video and consultations.
Need to speak to a doctor? Get the medical advice you need from anywhere in Australia. Our team of Australian-registered doctors can provide you fast and easy to access telehealth consulting services in Australia.
You can talk to your doctor in a bulk-billed video or phone consult about a script or repeat prescription. If a script is required, an eScript will be sent instantly to your mobile phone or your preferred pharmacy.
We fully bulk-bill all appointments, so you’ll never pay out-of-pocket to see a GP. You just need to attend one in-person Onboarding Appointment every 12 months to maintain your .doctor family membership.
Understanding Diabetes and treatment options.
At .doctor, we pride ourselves on providing easily accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions. We’re here to help you understand and manage diabetes. While diabetes is a serious condition, with the right management plan, you can lead a healthy life.
Diabetes is a long-term health condition affecting millions of people around the globe, including many Australians. It’s a condition where the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
"We're a team of GPs committed to providing quality care to patients in regional and rural Australia."
Understanding Diabetes and treatment options.
Diabetes is a long-term health condition affecting millions of people around the globe, including many Australians. It’s a condition where the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
These are the common types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with this type of diabetes are insulin-dependent and must inject insulin regularly.
- Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin. It’s often associated with lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise and being overweight.
With the right treatment plan, guided by a specialist for diabetes or GP, you can manage your condition effectively and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Concerned about your blood sugar levels?
Speak to a GP today
Diabetes symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the type of diabetes. Recognising these signs early is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management.
Symptoms of diabetes can vary but often include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurry vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a GP or diabetes doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications.
Get the advice you need today.
The causes of diabetes vary between children and adults and depend on the type of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
This autoimmune condition often begins in childhood or adolescence but can also appear in adults. Possible contributing factors include:
- Genetics: A family history of type 1 diabetes increases the risk.
- Environmental triggers: Viral infections or other factors may cause the immune system to attack insulin-producing cells.
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, a type 1 diabetes specialist can provide critical guidance on managing insulin therapy, monitoring blood sugar levels and addressing the unique challenges of living with this autoimmune condition.
Type 2 diabetes
Although more common in adults, type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in children due to obesity.
- Insulin resistance: The body doesn’t respond well to insulin, raising blood sugar levels.
- Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, inactivity, and excess weight increase the risk.
- Genetics: A family history is a significant contributing factor.
Consulting with a type 2 diabetes specialist can help patients address insulin resistance and lifestyle-related factors.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes impact insulin use. Consulting a diabetes doctor allows for proper monitoring and management, reducing risks for both mother and baby. While it often resolves after childbirth, it raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Concerned about diabetes? Speak to a GP today.
Unsure of what to do if you have diabetes—or suspect you have it? Diagnosing it early is the first step to managing the condition and preventing complications. Our GPs use a combination of medical history, symptoms and diagnostic tests to confirm diabetes.
These tests can include:
- Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) test: This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.
- Fasting blood sugar test: This is a blood test taken after an overnight fast.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: This test involves drinking a sugary liquid and testing your blood sugar levels periodically over the next two hours.
Take the first step to understanding your health.
The treatment for diabetes aims to keep your blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible to prevent health complications. Learn how to manage your condition and maintain a better quality of life with a personalised treatment plan.
Lifestyle adjustments
Managing diabetes often starts with daily habit changes. A diabetes doctor can help you make these adjustments to control blood sugar and boost overall health.
- Healthy eating: Focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to stabilise blood sugar.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and supports weight management.
- Monitoring blood sugar: Regular blood glucose testing helps track how your body responds to food, activity and medications.
Medication options
For many individuals, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Consult with a diabetes doctor to develop a medication plan that effectively controls blood sugar and reduces risks of complications.
- Insulin therapy: Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels for people with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes.
- Oral medications: For Type 2 diabetes, drugs like metformin improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production by the liver.
- Other treatments: GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors are newer medications that support blood sugar control and offer additional benefits, such as weight loss and heart protection.
Specialist referrals
For complex cases or additional support, our GPs can connect you with specialists in diabetes care.
- Endocrinologists: Specialists in hormone-related conditions, including diabetes.
- Dietitians: Experts in creating tailored meal plans for diabetes management.
- Diabetes educators: Professionals who provide education on managing blood sugar, using insulin and understanding the condition.
Start your personalised diabetes care plan today.
"We're a team of GPs committed to providing quality care to patients in regional and rural Australia."
More than just treatment for diabetes.
When you join the .doctor family we create a health profile for you which our GPs all refer to and update. So each time you interact with us we’ll keep a record.
This allows our GPs to give you the best advice every time – more than just treatment for diabetes.
Ready to access unlimited bulk billed GP consults?
FAQs
Yes, .doctor offers bulk-billed telehealth consultations for a variety of health concerns, including hair loss, blood pressure management and contraception prescriptions. Our GPs provide personalised advice, prescriptions and referrals.