The Bairnsdale and District Diabetes Support Group received an in-depth and practical presentation at its April meeting, with pharmacist Tom Forster from Complete Care Pharmacy returning as guest speaker.
Forster spoke on the different methods of glucose monitoring, outlining the advantages and limitations of each, and how they help people with diabetes better understand how insulin, food, physical activity, stress and illness affect blood glucose levels.
He explained there are three main approaches to monitoring glucose.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices provide real-time readings 24 hours a day, showing whether levels are steady, rising or falling, and how quickly changes are occurring. CGMs can also provide alerts when glucose levels move outside target ranges or if a hypo is predicted, allowing earlier intervention.
Finger prick blood glucose testing remains a widely used method, providing a snapshot of glucose levels at a single point in time. Forster noted the importance of correct use of meters, strips and lancets, and highlighted that results can be recorded digitally or in logbooks to help identify patterns over time.
He also discussed HbA1c testing, a pathology blood test that reflects average blood glucose levels over the previous 10 to 12 weeks. The test measures glucose attached to red blood cells, with higher levels indicating higher average blood glucose and increased risk of diabetes-related complications. Forster said the test is typically conducted every three to six months and is an important indicator of long-term diabetes management.
The session also covered vaccination updates, after a question on flu immunisation prompted discussion on the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Forster outlined vaccines funded for people with medical risk conditions, including pneumococcal, meningococcal B, influenza, haemophilus influenza type b, shingles and COVID-19 vaccinations.
He also discussed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can cause serious respiratory illness such as bronchitis and pneumonia. For people aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, vaccination is recommended and currently funded, with one dose providing protection for at least two years.
Forster also demonstrated a heart rate monitor and highlighted the importance of National Heart Week, which runs from May 4 to 10 in 2026. The campaign aims to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, promote prevention strategies and encourage regular health checks.
He noted that one Australian experiences a heart attack or stroke every four minutes, and emphasised the importance of monitoring risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose.
A key focus of the campaign is the Heart Health Check, a 20-minute GP consultation designed to assess an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke within the next five years.
Forster also demonstrated correct blood pressure measurement technique and explained healthy readings, noting that a normal result is generally considered to be below 120 systolic over 80 diastolic, depending on individual medical history.
Group member Jill Mathieson thanked Forster for his “excellent and extremely informative” presentation and for answering questions from attendees. She presented him with a small gift on behalf of the group.
