Changing Lives: The Hunter's Premier Diabetes Research and Treatment Centre

The Hunter Diabetes Centre, located in Merewether, contributes to world-leading research into diabetes and provides those living with the condition a one-stop shop to manage their treatment and lifestyle. Set up 13 years ago by principal endocrinologist Dr Claire Morbey, it is now the Hunter’s leading Metabolic Research Centre and the first private practice specialising in the condition in the region.

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Dr Morbey’s family has a strong history of diabetes which led to her specialisation in the field. She is passionate about providing holistic treatment.

"Our practice has three Accredited Dieticians, three diabetes educators, an Exercise Physiologist and a specialist diabetes

Nurse Practitioner as well as a specialised cardiac Nurse Practitioner on staff. Patients receive ongoing treatment and lifestyle education in the one place. Patients can self refer for most of these services," said Dr Morbey.

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin. Over time, elevated glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet.

There are different types of diabetes: Type 1 results from the pancreas not producing insulin and requires lifelong management. Type 2 develops gradually as the body becomes resistant to insulin, but lifestyle changes can help manage it. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when increased insulin demands exceed the body's ability to compensate, often manageable through lifestyle adjustments.

“I felt strongly that patients needed a cohesive team-led approach to treatment,” said Dr Morbey.

Annette Parkes-Considine is a specialist nurse in diabetes management and education, holds a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and has been awarded NSW Diabetes Educator of the Year. She has also been living with Type 1 diabetes for 35 years and, like Dr Morbey, is passionate about providing support, training and world-best treatment and research for those living with the condition.

“As a nurse practitioner, I can diagnose, prescribe, and refer patients within the scope of our practice,” said Annette.

“Our practice is like no other I’ve ever worked in. It doesn’t have that clinical feel. We treat our patients as individuals and the way that we would treat our own family.

“Diabetes is a complex condition; the medications can have side effects, and there’s just not enough education provided. It can be a lonely and isolating experience. We aim to remove that factor here. I love being able to help people through this and teaching them that their diagnosis doesn’t have to define them. We teach them how to live their best life and

manage their condition.”

As someone living with Type 1 diabetes, Annette took part in a clinical trial on insulin that changed the trajectory of her life. “It was taking part in that trial that led me to specialising in diabetes,” said Annette.

“We are always striving to get better medications into the market, and we can only do this through clinical trials. The trials are important, not just to research pharmaceuticals but also as a way for individuals to receive cutting edge treatments at no cost with a highly specialised team.”

The Hunter region has the highest rate of diabetes in the country, so it’s not surprising that the clinic has also established Aim Research, which to date has completed over 50 clinical trials and contributed successfully to a number of leading global and groundbreaking studies that have changed the face of diabetes management and treatment right across the world.

“We work with pharmaceutical companies, contract research organisations and academic research institutes to make clinical trials available to our patients,” said Dr Morbey.

“Our work can literally impact billions of lives, but at the same time, our individual trial participants enjoy very close medical monitoring, expert care, and attentive support, which can sometimes result in the early detection of health issues. Participation in our trials also offers many the personal satisfaction of knowing they play an active role in advancing medical knowledge and helping others with their condition.”

The Hunter Diabetes Centre and Aim Research exist to make life easier for those dealing with the condition of diabetes. Their staff care about their patients as individuals. This is well illustrated by the “Type 1 Catch Up” held at 6.30pm on the last Wednesday of every month at Souths Merewether. This free catchup for adults is a casual get-together facilitated by Annette.

“It helps to normalise living with the condition,” said Annette. “We pick each other’s brains and reinforce that you’re not alone in your experience. Everyone is welcome.”

For more information about the catch-up, to make an appointment or to apply to participate in a clinical trial, visit www.hunterdiabetescentre.com.au.