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Diabetes is a chronic condition in which an individual’s blood sugar metabolism is impaired due to a defect in the hormone insulin. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, can be impaired either by quality or quantity and can lead to serious complications if not managed effectively. Compared to someone who does not have diabetes, a diabetic individual is 2 to 3 times more likely to develop heart disease and stroke.

The diagnosis of diabetes is often delayed as individuals may not always present with symptoms and can carry the condition undetected, sometimes for a number of years. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the presence of the condition, especially if the affected individual has certain risk factors for developing diabetes. These risk factors include:

• Family history of diabetes
• High Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Large waist circumference
• Gestational Diabetes (abnormal sugar level any time during pregnancy)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor nutritional habits

When untreated, diabetes can lead to various health issues, such as:

• Eye damage, which could lead to blindness
• Kidney failure (which may call for dialysis or kidney transplant)
• Nerve damage, leading to the poor sensation of feet and toes, which may eventually require amputation
• Recurrent infections

Diabetes is a systemic condition, and it requires multiple teams to care for the affected person. This includes the family doctor (general practitioner), podiatrist, endocrinologist, diabetic educator, dietitian, and others.

The team at Polaris Medical Centre has prolific experience in providing care for people with diabetes.

Book an appointment with us for the best Diabetes care treatment.

The PAP smear was introduced to the national cancer screening program in the 1990s, followed by the introduction of a national HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine program in 2007. As a result, the prevalence of cervical cancer has decreased significantly in Australia.

Cervical cancer does not usually manifest in physical symptoms. Hence, the PAP test is the only method for early detection. The PAP test detects cancer-causing types of HPV at a very early stage. It is a straightforward test, where your doctor takes a sample from your cervix using a soft brush. In most cases, it only requires roughly 2 minutes.

National cervical screening guidelines recommend that if you are between 25 and 74 years old, you should perform a PAP test 2 years after your last PAP test, and then repeat the test every 5 years.

We suggest that you book an appointment at Polaris Medical Centre for your PAP test. Your doctor will perform the test and if required, you will be referred to a gynecologist to undertake further tests, such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy.

Vaccination or immunization is a proven method to protect a person from harmful conditions caused by certain viruses and bacteria. These conditions can be risky, devastating, and sometimes life-threatening. Therefore, it is in your best interest to get vaccinated.

Vaccine-preventable diseases include poliomyelitis, meningitis, and hepatitis – all of which can have devastating consequences.

The National Immunisation Program contains set vaccines at various ages, with identified numbers of doses at certain intervals. Vaccinations are scheduled for both children and adults. Vaccines such as the annual influenza vaccine are recommended at certain times of the year. Additionally, there are vaccines that are specifically recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as severe asthma and chronic lung disease.

Book an appointment at Polaris Medical Centre, to learn about the most up-to-date immunization schedule and get vaccinated.

There is no doubt that good food and balanced nutrition will keep you healthy, strengthen your immunity, and prevent the risk of chronic conditions.

Good nutrition includes the quality and quantity of what you eat and drink. Maintaining a balanced nutritional intake is vital for ensuring your health and overall quality of life.

Your doctor at Polaris Medical Centre plays a central role in coordinating your care, alongside the treating team of nurses and allied health staff.

Book an appointment at Polaris Medical Centre for the best Nutritional Advice.

An acute illness is a condition that occurs and often goes away with or without treatment, relatively quickly. Chronic diseases, however, will remain for a very long time, if not for life.

Examples include high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and joint problems. Although some of these conditions may be incurable, they are all manageable with the right treatment.

This is a shared responsibility between you and your treating team. Medicare has allocated funds and facilities to provide care for you when dealing with chronic disease.

You can Book an appointment to see your doctor and nurse at Polaris Medical Centre to discuss chronic disease management.

Every community and country has its own lifestyle. While the local residents may be familiar with the prevalent medical conditions in that region, travellers may not be as immune.

When preparing for a trip, the traveller should learn their destination well. This includes prevalent medical conditions, safety measures, required vaccinations and certain traditions.

When you are planning your overseas trips, depending on your destination, the doctor will recommend vaccinations along with useful travel advice.

Book an appointment and visit your doctor and nurse at Polaris Medical Centre as it should be an important part of your overseas trip planning.

Healthcare for children is fundamentally different from that of adults. When it comes to health and illness, children have different requirements that need to be recognised for optimal care. Childhood involves quickly changing stages from the neonatal period, infancy, and growth into a young child. A series of changes occur to their bodies during these stages as they develop physically and psychologically.

Family and the treating team should work together in order to detect changes early in the growing child. This will allow timely intervention if necessary and to get help from various specialists. Polaris Medical Centre is capable of looking after young family members during various stages of growth.

Similarly, women have their own personal health profile. Our team at Polaris Medical Centre are trustworthy and here to support you throughout your various life stages. During pregnancy, the doctors at Polaris Medical Centre might offer you shared care in collaboration with major hospitals in the area. Book an appointment at Polaris Medical Centre to discuss this further with our team.

Health has two arms: physical and mental. Mental health consists of how you feel, think, and behave. Despite mental illnesses being common in the community, they can often go unnoticed, even from the person who is suffering. Common conditions include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance abuse

The treating team at Polaris Medical Centre work closely with various service providers such as mental health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Book an appointment with Polaris Medical Centre and make your mental health a priority.

Often, we seek help when we face certain discomforts such as pain or noticing a concerning lump or deformity. It is important to detect conditions early, even if you do not suspect any issues. This is where periodic health assessments come into place. Some examples of these conditions are diabetes, bowel cancer and age-related medical conditions.

Book an appointment with us and our treating team at Polaris Medical Centre will spend time going through a detailed history, performing clinical examinations and arranging appropriate investigations as required.