Brenda Coggan's Story
Why Diabetes Education
After nearly a decade working as a Registered Nurse, I started focusing more on my own health—learning about nutrition, fitness, and mindset, and really seeing the difference it made in how I felt each day. That personal journey sparked something in me.
At first, I considered becoming a personal trainer, but I felt pulled toward diabetes education. I wanted to help people not just cope with diabetes, but live active, healthy lives with confidence.
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Through my experience, I’ve seen how complex and overwhelming diabetes can be, and the burnout it can lead to. That’s why my goal is to make it simpler—breaking things down into easy-to-understand info, and sharing tools and technology that can take some of the weight off.
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I know it can feel frustrating, isolating, and just plain hard sometimes. You’re not alone. I’m here to help make life with diabetes more manageable—and to support you in living well.
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Originally from Gippsland, I’ve spent the past 17 years working in busy metro hospitals. I’m excited to be back home, bringing what I’ve learned to help people living in rural communities. Outside of work- keeping fit and healthy is important to me. During my pregnancies, I experienced what it was like not to have health after having hyperemesis gravidarum both times. That's 18 months of 24/7 nausea! This gave me a real appreciation for having optimal health- without it life is pretty hard. Unfortunately, the complications of uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a significant decrease in quality of life. Something I'm passionate about heling people avoid.
About Brenda Coggan
Brenda has over 19 years of experience in both adult and pediatric nursing. She graduated from Monash University in 2005 and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education at Mayfield Education in 2014. Further enhancing her expertise, Brenda obtained an Advanced Certificate in Nutritional Counseling from the Health Academy of Australia in 2018. ​
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Throughout her career, Brenda has been committed to supporting individuals with diabetes. She began her specialised work as a Diabetes Educator at The Royal Children's Hospital in 2016 and has since gained experience working at Austin Health, Mercy Hospital for Women and West Gippsland Healthcare Group. In these roles, she has gained extensive experience working with both adults and children managing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as well as managing diabetes in pregnancy. She has experience in insulin initiation and titration, insulin pump therapy, and continuous glucose monitoring.​
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Brenda has a particular interest in the following areas:
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Type 1 diabetes management including insulin pump therapy
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Diabetes in pregnancy including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes
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Preventing a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes
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Understanding the importance of mindset in behavior change, Brenda has qualifications in Hypnotherapy and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP). This integrative approach aims to empower individuals to implement and maintain lifestyle changes essential for improving their overall health. ​
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Brenda's commitment to patient-centered care is evident in her approach to diabetes education, which emphasises personalised, supportive strategies to help individuals achieve their health goals.
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.
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
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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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.​​
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2. Choose your preferred location for services based on hours of availability and geographical distance.
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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.​