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Home > Articles by: Jessica Beange
Home > Articles by: Jessica Beange 
Thank you to Nova Peris OAM for officially launching The InfoMedix & ADEA Diabetes Research Foundation’s Scholarship for an Indigenous Student during our World Diabetes Day celebrations as the official Patron of the scholarship.
Thank you also to UTS Health’s Professor John Evans and InfoMedix CEO Jeff Smoot for speaking at the launch.
The Scholarship aims to support an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person studying the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management at UTS Faculty of Health.
Applications for 2021 are already closed. We will keep you updated about future scholarship opportunities.
All candidates must be available to attend an interview if required.
The ADEA Diabetes Research Foundation funds research that helps people with diabetes to live well every day. The Foundation’s research program enables people living with diabetes and their diabetes care team to work together to identify questions, find answers and use this new knowledge to support people as they work hard every day to live well with their diabetes.
FAQ for healthcare professionals (AMSL)
Friday, 27 November 2020
AMSL have published a detailed FAQ for healthcare professionals.
These include:
1. What are the TGA’s specific safety concerns?
There are a combination of hardware and software concerns. We are awaiting further guidance from the TGA before sharing additional information publicly.
2. How long will this suspension be for?
The suspension will be for 6 months as of 24th November and will end on 24th May 2021, unless lifted earlier.
3. Does this suspension affect any other countries?
No, this product suspension has been identified by the TGA and therefore only affects Australia.
4. Do we need to recall pumps in the market?
We have not been directed to recall pumps from the market.
5. Can we continue to supply replacement pumps and consumables?
Yes, existing customers will continue to be supported by AMSL Diabetes and will still be able to access consumables. In-warranty customers will continue to be eligible for replacements under their existing warranty policy.
6. Is the t:slim X2 still suitable for use?
The TGA have confirmed that existing customers can remain on their Tandem insulin pumps while AMSL Diabetes and Tandem work towards resolving their concerns.
7. Customer: I don’t feel safe on the t:slim X2, what do I do?
Please contact our Customer Care Team on diabetes@amsl.com.au outlining your details and concerns and our team will review your situation.
The FAQs also address ‘Customer Enquiries – Ongoing Supply & Orders.’
Read AMSL’s FAQ for healthcare professionals .
Frequently asked questions (ADEA)
Thursday, 26 November 2020
This is not a safety notice by the TGA. There would have been a safety notice issued if there were safety issues. We advise CDEs that they can refer to the statement issued by AMSL:
‘Existing t:slim X2 insulin pump users can continue to use their pump and order infusion sets and reservoirs/cartridges as usual.’
Yes. No safety issue has been noted by the TGA, and we understand that AMSL is working with the TGA to correct the issue.
Contact AMSL Diabetes: : diabetes@amsl.com.au or 1300 851 056. They will continue to replace pumps under the existing warranty policy.
Statement to ADEA members, 26 November 2020 (updated 27 November 2020)
As you are possibly aware, AMSL has issued a statement regarding the TGA and their Tandem Diabetes Care t:slim X2 insulin pump.
We’ve been in discussions with AMSL and have been advised that this is not a safety issue, but an alert.
AMSL has stated ‘There are a combination of hardware and software concerns. We are awaiting further guidance from the TGA before sharing additional information publicly.’
People who are using pumps can continue to use them. The consumables are still available through the NDSS.
More info:
AMSL Diabetes issued a statement to consumers and healthcare professionals this week, saying that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has ‘expressed concern about the Tandem Diabetes Care t:slim X2 insulin pump’:
‘…the TGA have informed us of their intent to temporarily suspend the ARTG entry for the t:slim X2 insulin pump as of 24th November, 2020.
‘Existing t:slim X2 insulin pump users can continue to use their pump and order infusion sets and reservoirs/cartridges as usual. AMSL Diabetes will continue to replace t:slim X2 insulin pumps under the existing warranty policy.’
We have spoken with AMSL and they wish to reassure CDEs and people with diabetes that this is not a recall, and that nothing will change for current users of the t:slim X2 insulin pump.
The suspension does prevent new orders being made and will last for 6 months, ending 24th May, 2021, unless lifted earlier.
If you have any questions, the contact details for CDEs and consumers is: diabetes@amsl.com.au or 1300 851 056.
The TGA has not yet issued an official notice but we will keep you informed of any relevant updates.
Frequently asked questions
We will update these as needed over the coming weeks.
Regards,
ADEA Team
Last updated: Friday, 27 November 2020
We are thrilled to welcome Steve Renouf as ADEA’s first Ambassador!
Steve spoke at our World Diabetes Day event, as we officially announced his Ambassadorship, explaining why Diabetes education is important to him.
‘I’d like to say thanks for the privilege from ADEA for asking me to be one of your Ambassadors.
‘For me it is very important, obviously.
‘Having diabetes for the last 27 years – and I have five children with it – Diabetes Educators have been the number one support system that our family have relied on.
‘So for me to be a part of the team, I’m very honoured and privileged…thank you very much.’
About Steve
Steven “Pearl” Renouf is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He was known as one of the sport’s greatest centres.
Renouf set numerous records for the Brisbane Broncos club. After spending eleven years with Brisbane, which yielded four premierships, he left Australia to play for English club Wigan Warriors, where he spent two seasons before retiring.
He was also named in Australia’s Indigenous team of the century (1908–2007).
On Instagram?
You can watch and comment on Steve’s video message.
Congratulations to Kay Dean and Teresa di Franco, announced last Saturday November 14, (World Diabetes Day), as joint Jan Baldwin National CDEs of the Year for 2020.
Kay Dean
Kay Dean (QLD), Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year, 2020
‘Having practiced in the UK as an emergency nurse I moved to Australia in 2010 with a young family.
‘I initially moved into primary care with a motivated GP who had an interest in diabetes management and encouraged me to complete a postgraduate certificate in diabetes management.
‘This led me to join Ipswich Diabetes Service in 2013 as a trainee diabetes educator where I am now working as an endorsed Nurse Practitioner Nurse Navigator in diabetes.
‘I am passionate about building strong partnerships between primary care, non- government organisations and hospital services to ensure patients receive timely access to quality diabetes care that meets their individual needs and circumstances.’
Teresa di Franco (WA), Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year, 2020
Teresa di Franco
‘Since registering as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator I have been involved in establishing and practising in a multidisciplinary community allied health service at Perth Diabetes Care and am part of a multidisciplinary aboriginal podiatry and diabetes service, Moorditj Djena.
‘I have been passionate about providing input into the direction of diabetes education in the future to ensure it is accessible, affordable and of a high standard for all people living with diabetes by taking roles on the ADEA Clinical committee, WA Health Network Endocrine Executive advisory group and the Curtin University Diabetes Education Course review advisory committee.
‘I believe in making living with diabetes as less stressful as possible and providing people with the most up to date technology. Having seen family members live with various forms of diabetes and some eventually succumbing to the complications of diabetes, this inspired me to venture down the diabetes educator pathway.
‘I was lucky to be part of establishing Perth Diabetes Care together with my husband, who is also a CDE, and our amazing team to provide a full support team for people living with diabetes in the primary care setting. The support I provide as a CDE is strengthened by our team approach to care.
‘During my time with Moorditj Djena I have been able to work with a team of Aboriginal Health professionals, Podiatrists and Dietitians to provide diabetes education to clients in a community-based clinic.
‘CDEs have the ability to impact the lives of those living with all types of diabetes and as part of two amazing teams I am able to meet so many wonderful people and support them on their journey with diabetes.’
Andrew Lechleiter
‘Their work is an inspiration to all of us.’
Mr Andrew Lechleiter, Chief Marketing Officer at Eli Lilly Australia presented the Award on behalf Lilly.
Lilly have financially supported the Award Program since 2014.
‘Our heartfelt congratulations goes to all the Finalists.
‘Their contribution to the community of people with diabetes is extraordinary and shows what is possible to achieve when passion is combined with genuine care.
‘Their work is an inspiration to all of us.’
Many thanks to Eli Lilly for their their generous support of the award.
Their support makes it possible for each State winner to receive a $1,000 scholarship, and the National winners a $5,000 scholarship each.
The Award program profiles and acknowledges leading CDEs and their extraordinary contributions in the community of people with diabetes and diabetes education.
It is a chance for us to honour and celebrate the difference CDEs make in people’s lives each day.
Nominees are selected based on:
The award evolved from the Jan Baldwin award. Ms Baldwin was an innovative and dedicated diabetes educator who strongly influenced the practice of diabetes education in Australia until her passing in 1999.
Congratulations to all State and Territory winners, who our community have celebrated widely over the last week.
We look forward to hearing more about their activities over the coming year.
Read about our 2020 CDEs of the Year
Novo Nordisk has created a World Diabetes Day Toolkit, including messages for Nurses, and for people living with Diabetes.
These attachments can be sent as emails, or printed as posters, to assist with reminders around World Diabetes Day.
The HTML links can be ‘copied and pasted’ into an email, along with the PDF attachment.
The Toolkit’s official launch, ‘Keeping in Touch with Your Diabetes Healthcare Team’ is by Vice President & General Manager, Oceania for Novo Nordisk, Mr Jeppe Theisen at our World Diabetes Day online event on Saturday November 14, 2020.
We congratulate all of the State and Territory CDEs of Year for 2020!
The Award program profiles and acknowledges leading CDEs and their extraordinary contributions in the community of people with diabetes and diabetes education.
It is a chance for us to honour and celebrate the difference CDEs make in people’s lives each day.
Nominees are selected based on:
The award evolved from the Jan Baldwin award. Ms Baldwin was an innovative and dedicated diabetes educator who strongly influenced the practice of diabetes education in Australia until her passing in 1999.
The national winner will be announced at our World Diabetes Day celebration, online, Sat 14 November 1 – 2pm (AEST).
From Award Sponsor, Eli Lilly
The CDE of the Year award program is run by ADEA and financially supported by Eli Lilly since 2014. Their generous support means each State winner receives a $1,000 scholarship, and the National winner a $5,000 scholarship.
‘Lilly and ADEA share a common purpose to help make life better for people living with Diabetes.
‘This is why we have partnered on the prestigious CDE of the Year Award since 2014. Our heartfelt congratulations goes to all the Finalists.
‘Their contribution to the community of people with diabetes is extraordinary and shows what is possible to achieve when passion is combined with genuine care. Their work is an inspiration to all of us.’
Andrew J. Lechleiter, Chief Marketing Officer at Lilly Australia.
Kirstin Turner (ACT)
Kirstin Turner: ACT CDE of the Year
Kirstin Turner is an Accredited Pharmacist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator working in both private and GP practices.
Kirstin has experience working with patients of all types of diabetes diagnoses, specialising in medication optimisation for elderly patients experiencing diabetes related complications.
Kirstin’s warm, nurturing and caring personality has allowed her to relate to her patients and appreciate that diabetes impacts every aspect of life, by identifying specific barriers and by setting realistic and maintainable goals.
Kirstin is driven to ensure a better quality of life for her patients and is uniquely skilled to help patients by not just offering education, but also offering specialised, personalised, and comprehensive medication management given any co-morbid conditions.
Michelle Kriss (N.S.W)
Michelle Kriss: New South Wales CDE of the Year
Michelle has been working as a diabetes educator for more than 20 years and enjoys the complexities of the patients she sees.
She is an energetic team member of the Greater Newcastle Sector-Diabetes Service where she actively strives to provide expert care to all patients with diabetes and ensures their individual needs are met.
Michelle really loves her work and the professional relationships she has developed with her many patients over the years.
When Michelle isn’t at work she enjoys performing in musical theatre and getting on the water on her stand up paddle board.
Kay Dean (QLD)
Kay Dean: Queensland CDE of the Year
Having practiced in the UK as an emergency nurse I moved to Australia in 2010 with a young family.
I initially moved into primary care with a motivated GP who had an interest in diabetes management and encouraged me to complete a postgraduate certificate in diabetes management.
This led me to join Ipswich Diabetes Service in 2013 as a trainee diabetes educator where I am now working as an endorsed Nurse Practitioner Nurse Navigator in diabetes.
I am passionate about building strong partnerships between primary care, non- government organisations and hospital services to ensure patients receive timely access to quality diabetes care that meets their individual needs and circumstances.
Shaun Johnson (S.A.)
Shaun Johnson: South Australian CDE of the Year
I have had over 10 year’s experience working in diabetes and critical care, both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Having lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 24 years, I feel that my own experiences enable me to be more empathetic and understanding of the day to day struggles that come with managing type 1 diabetes.
My passion enables me to energise and empower clients to achieve their own diabetes self-management goals.
I have a genuine interest in diabetes technology, particularly sensor augmented pump therapy and its advancing automation.
Through my work as a coordinator for paediatric hybrid closed loop technology studies, I have seen how advancing technologies can assist in reducing the burden of diabetes management and have a positive impact on client healthcare outcomes.
Fran Brown (VIC)
Fran Brown: Victorian CDE of the Year
I genuinely love my role as a CDE in private practice. From working with children at diabetes camps, running a local special interest group over the past 13 years to introducing older adults to advanced technologies in diabetes management, the job never gets boring!
My passion is instilling in people with diabetes that their health is worth the investment, and that with knowledge and the right team around them, they can live a fulfilled life. I call it ‘health superannuation’. I often reflect on my Dad, who died during my early nursing years at age 68 from diabetes complications. He is in my thoughts as I help people to help themselves as their life is so valued by those around them.
I love all things technology and thrive on helping people of all ages to use it successfully to improve their health and quality of life, and to reduce burden.
Both my home family and my work family are my strength and have supported me over the past 25 years to be successful, and to provide care for my patients at any time of the day or night!
After a long day at work, and in my ‘spare’ time, I love a walk with my husband Paul and our dog Maggie, I love a chat with my 2 adult children Tom and Emma, and huge extended family and love the odd red wine. I recently hung up my surf lifesaving cap after many years as a volunteer and look forward to more camping weekends.
Teresa di Franco (W.A.)
Teresa di Franco: West Australian CDE of the Year
Since registering as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator I have been involved in establishing and practising in a multidisciplinary community allied health service at Perth Diabetes Care and am part of a multidisciplinary aboriginal podiatry and diabetes service, Moorditj Djena.
I have been passionate about providing input into the direction of diabetes education in the future to ensure it is accessible, affordable and of a high standard for all people living with diabetes by taking roles on the ADEA Clinical committee, WA Health Network Endocrine Executive advisory group and the Curtin University Diabetes Education Course review advisory committee.
I believe in making living with diabetes as less stressful as possible and providing people with the most up to date technology. Having seen family members live with various forms of diabetes and some eventually succumbing to the complications of diabetes, this inspired me to venture down the diabetes educator pathway.
I was lucky to be part of establishing Perth Diabetes Care together with my husband, who is also a CDE, and our amazing team to provide a full support team for people living with diabetes in the primary care setting. The support I provide as a CDE is strengthened by our team approach to care.
During my time with Moorditj Djena I have been able to work with a team of Aboriginal Health professionals, Podiatrists and Dietitians to provide diabetes education to clients in a community-based clinic.
CDEs have the ability to impact the lives of those living with all types of diabetes and as part of two amazing teams I am able to meet so many wonderful people and support them on their journey with diabetes.
A message from our CEO Susan Davidson
I would like to congratulate all the Finalists, who epitomise the diversity of incredible work our Members do each day in their communities.
All CDEs are leaders in diabetes education, and this award recognises the Finalists’ leadership and inspiration for others, as well as excellence.
This year has seen all CDEs working with new challenges related to COVID-19, to continue to serve people living with diabetes.
We had many inspiring nominees from across our regions and it has been a wonderful chance for us to honour and celebrate the difference CDEs make in people’s lives each day.
We are very grateful for the support of Eli Lilly, making this award possible since 2014.
I hope many of our Members and members of the Diabetes community can join us on World Diabetes Day, Saturday the 14th as we announce the National winner of the Jan Baldwin CDE of the Year Award.
We are excited to announce the 2020 Finalists for this year’s prestigious Jan Baldwin CDE of the Year Award.
The Award program profiles and acknowledges leading CDEs and their extraordinary contributions in the community of people with diabetes and diabetes education.
It is a chance for us to honour and celebrate the difference CDEs make in people’s lives each day. Nominees are selected based on:
The award evolved from the Jan Baldwin award. Ms Baldwin was an innovative and dedicated diabetes educator who strongly influenced the practice of diabetes education in Australia until her passing in 1999.
The CDE of the Year award program is run by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association and financially supported by Eli Lilly since 2015.
We congratulate all the State and territory CDEs of 2020 and look forward to celebrating with our members and to hearing the announcement of our National CDE of 2020.
The Winner will be announced at our World Diabetes Day celebration, online, Sat 14 November 1 – 2pm (AEST).
2020 State and Territory CDEs of the Year
Kirstin Turner: Australian Capital Territory
Michelle Kriss: New South Wales
Kay Dean: Queensland
Shaun Johnson: South Australia
Fran Brown: Victoria
Teresa DiFranco: West Australia
We look forward to featuring each nominee, and their work as CDEs, online and on social media in the lead up to World Diabetes Day!
Members are encouraged to apply before December 4 for scholarships to short courses in healthcare leadership for women.
Run by Women and Leadership Australia the $1,000 – $5,000 partial scholarships suit female-identifying healthcare workers who are early-career managers; mid-level managers; or senior and executive leaders.
Courses run for two hours a week and range from four to twelve months in duration.
‘Women still face challenges that are unique’
In this short video, Theresa Jacques, Director of Intensive Care at St George Hospital explains the course’s gender-based approach, and how it’s designed to fit in with a healthcare professional’s busy schedule.
(Video link:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjCyGZr19yc&feature=youtu.be
Register your interest before Friday December 4, 2020
This course is not an ADEA-Endorsed Course.
The 38th ADEA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held online for Members on Saturday, 14 November 2020 (World Diabetes Day).
Read about the 2020 ADEA Annual General Meeting.
World Diabetes Day celebration
ADEA will be holding an online event to celebrate World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2020, immediately following the AGM from 1.00 – 2.00pm.
The theme this year is ‘The Nurse and Diabetes’ and we have arranged an exciting program for Members.
A study released today by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute shows that people living with diabetes in remote areas are far less likely to access newer diabetes medicines than those in metropolitan areas.
The study, which tracked 1.2 million Australians living with Type 2 diabetes, also found inequities between Australia’s most and least disadvantaged socioeconomic groups.
Senior author, endocrinologist and Deputy Director at the Baker Institute, Professor Jonathan Shaw said the study did not pinpoint a clear avenue to address this discrepancy.
“But it could be worth exploring the impact of access to educational programs. These are not always as widely available in remote settings. Furthermore, doctors in more remote locations are often juggling a higher patient load.”
The study was led by PhD student Mr Jedidiah Morton, and published in the journal Diabetologia.