A specialised gestational diabetes clinic has started at Gympie Hospital, helping expectant mothers receive timely and local care throughout their pregnancy journey.
The service gives local women easier and faster access to tailored care, provided by a nurse practitioner specialising in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), in their local community.
GDM is a type of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy, when hormones from the placenta reduce how well the mother’s insulin works, causing too much sugar to remain in the bloodstream.
It affects around 1 in 6 Australian women.
Director of Obstetric Medicine and Senior Staff Specialist Diabetes and Endocrinology Dr Sophie Poulter said the Gympie clinic will run one day a week, reducing the need for travel to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
“The GDM nurse practitioner is a trusted local expert, providing education and support to women with GDM,” Dr Poulter said.
“They’ll guide women in understanding their diagnosis, discuss practical strategies to manage it, and address any concerns that may arise.”
“The nurse practitioner is a go-to resource for both women and healthcare staff, acting as a local champion for GDM care.”
Nurse Practitioner Sarah Maher said the clinic builds on the care already provided by the health service’s Adult Diabetes and Obstetric Medicine teams.
“It gives mums the opportunity to spend more focused time discussing their diabetes, asking questions, and receiving support in a setting tailored specifically to their needs.”
“This approach helps ensure timely adjustments to their management plan, which is important for both mum and baby.”
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed master’s level study and are the most senior and independent clinical nurses.
Sunshine Coast Health’s broader GDM service is delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprising Dietitians, Credentialled Diabetes Educators, Nurse Practitioners, and Obstetric Medicine Physicians. Together, this team offers comprehensive care for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, supporting them throughout their pregnancy journey.