For the first time, an Aboriginal Health Practitioner has qualified as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE).

Louise Gilbey, who lives and works in Mount Isa, has become the first to qualify using her profession as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner to undertake the CDE credentialling program.

Louise’s achievement was made possible by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association’s (ADEA’s) scholarship program which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners to undertake post graduate studies in diabetes education and care and ADEA’s rigorous credentialling program.

Louise is a proud Alwayarre woman who has worked as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner for more than 20 years. She travels throughout Queensland’s Far West, providing expert diabetes advice and treatment in some of Australia’s most remote communities.

“Becoming a Credentialled Diabetes Educator has always been my dream, and with the assistance of a scholarship, and support from family, friends and colleagues, this dream is now a reality,” Louise said.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain congratulated Louise on her achievement and on completing the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and nearly five times more likely to be hospitalised with diabetes-related complications,” Ms Cain said.

“Louise’s qualification is an important step towards increasing the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island CDEs to meet the need for expert local diabetes services.

“Research has shown repeatedly that relevant and culturally appropriate diabetes care is most effective when delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.

“Louise’s credentialling is an important milestone in the fight to improve services for people living with diabetes, especially in remote locations, where the need is most urgent,” she said.   

Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO Susan Davidson said the 1,000 hours Louise had completed to achieve accreditation reflected the high level of commitment and practical experience needed to become a CDE.

“We are so proud to welcome Louise as a CDE,” Susan said.

“CDEs are recognised internationally as highly qualified diabetes professionals. ADEA’s scholarship program, which started in 2020, recognises the important role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners in reducing the burden of diabetes in First Nations communities.  

“Every day, CDEs around Australia provide the expert help people need to live long and healthy lives with diabetes. Louise will continue that practice for the people of Mount Isa and beyond.”