Gippsland Diabetes Education and Health Coaching

A holistic approach to diabetes care- helping you create lasting change and feel confident with diabetes self-management.

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Approach

I combine my background in nursing and diabetes education with training in nutrition, hypnotherapy, and NLP to make diabetes management easier to understand and more achievable. My goal is to provide practical support that fits your lifestyle—so you feel more confident, in control, and less overwhelmed.

Meet Brenda Coggan Diabetes Educator

Brenda has over 19 years of experience in both adult and pediatric nursing. Brenda is committed to supporting individuals with diabetes. Her specialisation in Diabetes Education started in 2016, and she works with adults and children managing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and managing diabetes during pregnancy. She has experience in insulin initiation and titration, insulin pump therapy, and continuous glucose monitoring.

Brenda has a particular interest in the following areas:

Type 1 diabetes management including insulin pump therapy
Planning for and managing diabetes in pregnancy including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Preventing a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes

Her holistic approach aims to empower individuals to implement and maintain lifestyle changes essential for improving their overall health.

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Diabetes Education Services

Diabetes Education consultations are tailored to ensure you have all the information you need to manage diabetes and live a healthy active lifestyle without complications.

Type I Diabetes

Personalised support to help you live confidently with Type 1 diabetes.

I can work collaboratively with your medical doctor to provide expert guidance on insulin management, carb counting, blood glucose monitoring, technology (like pumps and CGMs), and daily routines. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with Type 1 for years, I can help you build the skills and confidence to manage your diabetes in a way that fits your life.

Support is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and stage of life—from childhood through to adulthood.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Practical, personalised support to help you take control of your Type 2 diabetes.

I can help you to understand how food, activity, stress, and medications affect your blood sugar. I can also give guidance on healthy eating, blood glucose monitoring (including free trials of continuous glucose monitoring sensors), medications (including insulin if needed), and making sustainable lifestyle changes.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or looking for better control, I can help you manage diabetes with confidence

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects around 12% to 14% of pregnant women, most often developing between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. In most cases, it resolves after the baby is born.

If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I can work alongside your doctor or specialist to help you manage it safely. For many women, small adjustments to eating habits and physical activity are enough. In some cases, medication or insulin may be needed.

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Services Section

How to work with me

Working together is easy once you have decided you want help to manage your diabetes.

1. See your GP for a Chronic Disease Management Plan if you would like to claim rebates through Medicare. This team care arrangement allows up to 5 visits with a rebate of $60.35 per session.

3. Schedule your Initial Appointment with Brenda to gain understanding, set your goals, and create your plan.

2. Choose your preferred location for services based on hours of availability and geographical distance.

4. Please bring with you any reports or other information pertaining to your health. If you have been prescribed injectable medication, please bring this with you.

Book your appointment

Frequently asked questions

Can I do telehealth, and does a rebate still apply?

Yes! Wherever you are located, as long as a care plan is provided, you will be able to claim a medicare rebate. Your GP will need to specify the number of services allocated to me as a diabetes educator.

Do you work with children with Type 1 diabetes?

I have extensive experience working with children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. Consulting in private practice with children requires me to work collaboratively with your paediatritian or endocrinologist, so it's best to ask your physician for a direct referral.

Can I contact you outside of hours?

I am able to answer emails during my private clinic hours, and in some cases for example after an insulin pump start I am available via phone. I do not offer an out of hours sick day service- however often direct people to the Virtual Emergency Department offered by Northern Health. Find out more about this service here:

https://www.vved.org.au/

What resources do I leave an appointment with?

I am able to provide you with the following resources:

Complimentary blood glucose meter if you are newly diagnosed or if your meter is no longer working
Free continuous glucose monitor trials for all people with Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. In some cases for Type 1 diabetes to trial a different brand before switching over to the NDSS subsidy.
Written resources on healthy eating
Written resources on sick day management
Reusable insulin pens and written instructions on how to use them

What is a Diabetes Educator?

A diabetes educator is a healthcare professional, like a nurse, dietitian, or podiatrist, who has specialised knowledge and skills in diabetes education and self-management. They help people with diabetes learn how to effectively manage their condition and prevent complications. Credentialled Diabetes Educators, like Brenda Coggan, are recognised by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and undergo a rigorous program to ensure high-quality education and care.

Do I need a referral to see a Diabetes Educator?

Generally, no. A referral is not required to see a Diabetes Educator in Australia, though some providers may have specific requirements. Brenda Coggan offers a self-referral option, meaning you can contact her directly to make an appointment without needing a GP referral. a referral from your GP or medical practitioner is generally required if you wish to claim Medicare rebates. The referral ensures that the services you receive are eligible for Medicare funding.