GooD4Mum: Reducing the Onset of Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes

Eleanor Clinic is excited to participate in the GooD4Mum study, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. This study aims to reduce the risk of developing diabetes following gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through targeted interventions in general practice.

If You’ve Had Gestational Diabetes

If you have had GDM, you will receive an invitation for a check-up with your doctor at Eleanor Clinic. During this visit:

  • We will assess your general health and identify potential risk factors for diabetes.
  • If needed, we will arrange a blood test to monitor your condition.
  • You will also meet with our nurse to discuss further support for lifestyle changes.

 

Our nurse can refer you to a government-funded, free support program called Life. This program offers free sessions with an exercise physiologist and a dietitian to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. These sessions are free for women who have had GDM or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a fantastic initiative to support your health and well-being!
If you do not receive an invitation but are interested in participating, please call our friendly reception team to book your appointment.

The Risk of Diabetes After GDM

  • 1 in 5 women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Women with a history of GDM have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • It is recommended that women who have had GDM undergo a diabetes check-up and blood test every 1–3 years postpartum.

 

However, follow-up rates remain low.

  • Research suggests that lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Key Statistics

  • Over the next 10 years, more than 500,000 Australians are projected to develop GDM.
  • Of these, 60% are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10–20 years, and 5% may develop it within 6 months postpartum.

About the GooD4Mum Program

The GooD4Mum quality improvement (QI) collaborative program is designed to promote rapid changes in general practice, ensuring effective and timely interventions to manage and reduce diabetes risk after GDM.

More Information

BIG NEWS, Welcome Dr. Beatrice Sgro!

We are beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Beatrice Sgro to our team! After doing some locum shifts with us, she’s decided Eleanor Clinic is her forever work home—how lucky are we?!

Dr. Sgro is an incredibly skilled, compassionate, and dedicated GP who has been caring for Melbourne’s west since 2014. She’s got a deep love for general practice, a passion for preventive healthcare, and a talent for building strong, lasting connections with her patients.

With two of our beloved doctors heading off on parental leave, Dr. Sgro is hitting the ground running and ready to welcome new and familiar faces!

Dr. Beatrice Sgro’s Special Interests:

  • Women’s Health – Shared antenatal care & Implanon insertion/removal
  • Children’s Health – Diploma of Child Health + a caring touch for little ones
  • Aged Care – Helping older patients stay active & enjoy life
  • Mental Health – Providing compassionate support for life’s ups & downs
  • Chronic Disease Management & General Medicine – Helping patients stay on top of their health!

Outside of work, Dr. Sgro is all about good food, great books, and spending time with her young daughter & cat. She also loves British comedy and a solid podcast binge!

Book an appointment with Dr. Beatrice Sgro today and experience her warm, patient-focused care firsthand!

Support through parenthood at Eleanor Clinic

At Eleanor Clinic, we take pride in being part of your parenthood journey.

Whether you’re just starting to try for a family or already holding your little one in your arms, our team of compassionate doctors, nurses, and our midwife are here to support you every step of the way.

We understand that parenthood is a unique experience filled with moments of joy, love, and bonding. However, it can also bring its own set of challenges. From navigating the ups and downs of conception to the demands of caring for a newborn, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Our team is highly trained and deeply committed to helping parents through every phase of this incredible journey.

One common challenge during parenthood is sensory overload, which can affect both neurodiverse and neurotypical parents. Sensory overload occurs when your senses are overstimulated by things like noise, touch, or visual clutter, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing and managing this can make a significant difference in your well-being.

We’re grateful to @pandanational for their valuable resources, including an insightful article on managing sensory overload as a parent. One of their key suggestions is using ‘stimming’ techniques to help soothe your nervous system. Stimming involves repetitive actions that can redirect your energy and bring a sense of calm. Here are a few practical tips you can try:

  • Move your body: Rocking, swaying, dancing, or shaking can provide a soothing rhythm.
  • Make soothing sounds: Humming, singing, or creating repetitive noises can be calming.
  • Engage with touch or play: Use fidget or sensory tools, touch the grass, hold something warm or cold, or interact with soft or firm objects.

For more strategies, including sensory resets and self-soothing activities, we recommend reading the full article here: Managing Sensory Overload – PANDA.

Remember, seeking support early when you’re struggling is crucial. At Eleanor Clinic, we feel privileged to join you in the joys and challenges of parenthood, and we’re here to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Personlised HIV Care at Eleanor Clinic

At Eleanor Clinic we provide compassionate and expert HIV care in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. Our highly trained doctors, including Dr. Eunice Sales and Dr. Aidan Allen-Hall, both accredited S100 prescribers, are focused on our patients receiving tailored treatment plans designed to meet their unique needs.

Eleanor Clinic offers

  1. Personalised Care
    Initial Appointments. During your first 30-minute consultation your doctor will get to know you. They will ask about your medical history and assess your immune system health, and create a customised treatment plan.
    Starting Treatment. Starting treatment quickly is what matters to us, particularly for patients with low CD4 count, pregnancy, or HIV-related conditions.
    Ongoing Monitoring. Regular blood tests will track your progress, ensuring your treatment remains highly effective. We have pathology on-site, so you don’t have to travel anywhere else.
  2. Collaborative Team Support
    – If needed, your doctor will coordinate additional supports through a multidisciplinary team, which may include medical, psychological, or social services.
  3. Working as a team
    – We value open communication and encourage you to share details about your health, lifestyle, and any concerns so we can provide you with the very best care. Topics you may wish to discuss include:
    – Emotional and physical well-being.
    – Current medications, supplements, or recreational substance use.
    – Lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

At Eleanor Clinic we are committed to keep you supported, informed and empowered throughout your health journey. We are always available to answer your questions and work collaboratively with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

Please note: Eleanor Clinic operates as a private billing clinic. To access bulk-billed HIV treatment, please visit the Western Health Infectious Disease Clinic.

Helpful Links

Information on HIV, testing and treatment
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hiv-and-aids

Letting partners know you have HIV 

If you have just been diagnosed with HIV, it will likely be a difficult time. You might still be struggling to come to terms with diagnosis. During this time, it is important to let any sexual or injecting partners know they may have been exposed to HIV as soon as you can, so they can be tested and offered PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) if appropriate. You do not have to do this alone. Your doctor or the Department of Health Partner Notification Officers can help you through this process and ensure your identity is not revealed.
https://letthemknow.org.au
https://napwha.org.au

Living Positive Victoria, Peer Navigation Support Service 
Our peer navigators can provide one on one support for you on your journey with HIV, helping you achieve your goals and reach full physical and emotional wellbeing.
☏ (03) 9863 8733
One–on–One Support
https://forms.livingpositivevictoria.org.au/forms/one-one-support

Other Services

Phoenix – workshop for supporting the recently diagnosed
https://livingpositivevictoria.org.au/programs-and-services/workshops/phoenix/

Ageing Peer Support Network – social network for older people with HIV
https://wellbeyond50.livingpositivevictoria.org.au/

Programs and Services for Women and Hetero Men
https://livingpositivevictoria.org.au/programs-and-services/social-events/adult-lunch-forwomen-and-heterosexual-men/

Planet Positive – Quarterly social activity for people with HIV
https://livingpositivevictoria.org.au/programs-and-services/social-events/planet-positive/

Services for Families
https://livingpositivevictoria.org.au/programs-and-services/social-events/family-day/

Positive Women Victoria, Peer Navigation Support Service
Positive Women Victoria provides peer support, information and advocacy for women who are living with HIV.
☏ (03) 9863 8747, info@positivewomen.org.au

Thorne Harbour Health, Community Support Service
Thorne Harbour Health has been supporting people living with HIV through a range of services over the last three decades. While many of these are delivered from our Positive Living Centre in South Yarra, there are services for people living with HIV at several of our sites and beyond.
https://thorneharbour.org/services/hiv-positive-services/
☏ (03) 9863 0444, plcfeedback@thorneharbour.org