At HMC, we provide an effective chronic disease management framework through a comprehensive, team-based package of care for people living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Our aim is to offer structured preventative health services to support you and your whānau, so you feel confident managing your condition.

Our Diabetes Lead – Anita

Anita is our highly experienced Diabetes Nurse Specialist and the cornerstone of our service. With almost 20 years in primary care in both New Zealand and the UK, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion. Anita holds advanced qualifications in diabetes management and established HMC’s first nurse-led diabetes clinic to ensure every patient can access fully funded, personalised care. She is passionate about delivering regular health screening, annual reviews, and empowering people to manage their diabetes with confidence and achieve their health goals.

Our Team Approach

Anita works alongside:

  • Michele – Prescribing Pharmacist (medication optimisation and reviews)
  • Simone Llewellyn – Health Coach (lifestyle, nutrition, and weight management support)
  • Mengyi – Health Improvement Practitioner (mental wellbeing and access to services)

Together we provide a “one-stop shop” for diabetes care, always working in partnership with your GP.

What we offer

  • Fully funded annual diabetes review
  • Medication management and insulin titration
  • Lifestyle support, Green Prescriptions, and weight management
  • Funded podiatry for at-risk feet
  • Referrals to dietitians and health psychologists
  • Free trials of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
  • Mental wellbeing support

At HMC, we recognise that effective chronic disease management isn’t always easy. Our holistic, whānau-centred approach means you are supported every step of the way – whether you require lifestyle coaching, medication optimisation, or specialised advice on insulin pumps and glucose monitoring.

FAQs

Sustained weight management is one of the most powerful tools for improving insulin sensitivity and potentially achieving Type II diabetes remission. Our dedicated Health & Wellbeing Team works alongside you to design realistic, medically supported lifestyle plans tailored to your needs. We also provide referrals to dietitians and funded Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) support programmes, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to better manage your health. We track your progress through funded coaching sessions, setting practical goals that protect your long-term health while keeping your energy levels stable.

Yes. There is no “one-size-fits-all” healthy diet for those with diabetes, which is why our clinicians provide individualised nutritional support. We help you understand how different carbohydrates affect your glycaemic index, teach you simple meal-planning adjustments, and focus on sustainable dietary habits that prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes without forcing you to give up the foods you love.

Absolutely. Our specialised diabetes care team provides up-to-date clinical guidance on selecting, initiating, and calibrating Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). We will help you integrate the data with your monitoring apps and interpret the tracking trends to optimise your daily management. We can also provide referrals to our on-site clinical pharmacist for medication reviews and support, helping ensure your treatment plan is working effectively alongside your diabetes management goals.

Management plans can range from first-line oral medications like metformin which has been the backbone of treatment for many years, to more modern second-line medication options and routine insulin therapies. Our general practice team regularly reviews your prescriptions, monitors your HbA1c indicators, and adjusts your dosages on-site to ensure your medication works effectively with minimal side effects.

Navigating blood sugar testing equipment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our clinical team will walk you through the differences between standard finger-prick blood glucose meters that are included within your prescriptions, and modern Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), which may not be available at no cost and can vary depending on individual funding eligibility.

We will help you select a dependable device, teach you exactly how and when to test at home, and show you how to accurately log your numbers so we can review them together during your annual check-ups.

If you experience persistently elevated readings or feel unwell, please get in touch with our dedicated health & wellbeing team immediately. We provide responsive clinical advice, review your current management plan, and ensure you have a safe local care pathway to manage blood sugar spikes confidently. For emergency symptoms, always seek immediate acute care.

No formal internal referral is required for our enrolled general practice patients. Simply reach out to the medical centre team to schedule an assessment or an annual review with our specialised health track indicators.