O’BrienHealthcare
Credentialled Diabetes Education delivered differently
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia
It is estimated that 300 Australians develop diabetes every day and that means 1 person in every 5 minutes are being advised that they have diabetes. Approximately 1.9 million Australians have diabetes and for every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually one other beside them, who has diabetes and does not even realise!
Diabetes is the seventh most common cause of death by disease in Australia.
Get In Touch
Call Us
0410 530 247
Email Us
shireen@obrienhealthcare.com.au
What is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator
Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDE’s) are health care professionals who specialise in treating, supporting, and educating people living with diabetes, often along with their families and the health care team.
Diabetes education is an area of specialty that focuses on precise interventions for each individual who needs diabetes management and care. Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) have been recognised by Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Work Cover, and private medical insurers as the appropriately qualified providers of diabetes education.
Diabetes education allows people living with diabetes to gain knowledge, skills, motivation, and confidence to effectively manage their own condition. CDE’s assist people with diabetes and their family or carers to gain an understanding of the “big picture” and link up the benefits of positive lifestyle choices and treatment options. They interact with the person living with diabetes and other members of the Allied Health Care Team to achieve mutually agreed clinical targets, improved health, and wellbeing outcomes.
Service Options
Video Conferencing
O’Brien Healthcare currently offers video conferencing as part of its service delivery, allowing you to access high-quality care without leaving your home or office. This convenient option plays a vital role in diabetes education by offering greater flexibility, improved accessibility, and consistent support for those managing their condition.
Through secure virtual platforms, you can receive personalised guidance, track progress, and access timely interventions—all without the need for in-person appointments. This service is particularly valuable for individuals in rural or remote areas, those with mobility limitations, or anyone balancing a busy lifestyle.
Video conferencing encourages regular engagement, strengthens self-management skills, and supports ongoing education in a cost-effective and time-efficient way—bringing expert care directly to you.
Our Services – Designed Around Your Needs
Telehealth Appointments
Convenient care wherever you are
Video Conferencing
Expert support from the comfort of your home or office
Face-to-face Consultations
Personalised, in-depth care at our clinic or your location
Group/Corporate Education Sessions
Learn, connect, and grow with others on a similar journey
Special Needs Services
Inclusive support tailored to individual abilities and circumstances
EXCELLENCE ELEVATED – CARE THAT RISES ABOVE
TeleHealth
Exceptional healthcare, delivered wherever you are.
O’Brien Healthcare’s Telehealth consultations provide eligible clients with seamless access to expert clinical care, without the need to travel. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or away from your usual location, our Credentialled Diabetes Educator delivers the same personalised, professional service you would expect from an in-person appointment.
Avoid the time and inconvenience of travelling, finding parking, organising accommodation, or relying on family and friends for transport. Instead, receive expert advice and tailored care in the comfort, privacy, and convenience of your own environment.
With Telehealth, accessing high-quality healthcare has never been easier. It’s a simple, efficient, and confidential way to connect with our clinicians, ensuring you receive the care you need, when you need it.
Diabetes education will support you to:
- Adapt your lifestyle with practical, sustainable strategies
- Access education and support following a new diagnosis
- Explore treatment and management options
- Understand your medications and how they help you achieve better health outcomes
- Learn how to monitor your blood glucose and confidently use the results to make informed decisions
- Learn how to use diabetes technology, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
- Prevent and manage short- and long-term diabetes complications
- Develop effective strategies to manage hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
- Learn how to manage diabetes during illness (“sick day” management)
- Travel confidently while maintaining good diabetes management
- Balance diabetes with work, family, social activities, and everyday life
- Build confidence in making day-to-day diabetes management decisions
- Transition to insulin therapy with confidence, when appropriate
- Develop personalised nutrition and healthy eating strategies
- Incorporate physical activity safely into your diabetes management plan
- Achieve and maintain healthy weight goals
- Set realistic, achievable health goals and create a personalised management plan
- Reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications through proactive care
- Improve your HbA1c and overall glucose management
- Support emotional wellbeing and build confidence in living with diabetes
- Prepare for pregnancy and manage diabetes before conception
- Navigate diabetes management during life changes, including ageing, shift work, or illness
- Coordinate your care with your GP, endocrinologist, and other healthcare providers
Empowering you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take control of your diabetes.
10 Reasons To Visit Us At O’Brien Healthcare
Types of Diabetes
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, however not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes has no signs or symptoms, but it will place people in a higher risk bracket for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease. Two million Australians have pre-diabetes and are at high-risk of later attaining type 2 Diabetes.
It’s important to start altering your lifestyle immediately if you have been advised of having pre-diabetes. This must include changes to diet, reducing carbohydrates, increasing activity (if able) and losing weight. It is estimated that almost one in three people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors
Risk factors for pre-diabetes are:
- Being overweight – especially those who have excess weight around the waistline (ie: more than 94cm for men and more than 80cm for women)
- Being physically inactive
- Having high triglycerides and low HDL-C (good cholesterol) and/or high total cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system is prompted to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. The cause of this autoimmune reaction is unknown, but we do know that Type 1 diabetes is not linked to lifestyle factors. There is no cure at this stage, and it cannot be prevented.
Type 1 diabetes:
- Occurs where there is no insulin produced by the pancreas
- Represents around 10 per cent of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases
- It usually comes on suddenly and by surprise
- Is only managed via multiple daily insulin injections (or via a pump)
Symptoms
- Being excessively thirsty
- Passing more urine
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Always feeling hungry
- Having cuts that heal slowly
- Itching, skin infections
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Leg cramps.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is blocking the normal effects of insulin and the body gradually loses its capacity to produce enough insulin. The condition is impacted by strong genetic and family-related (non-modifiable) risk factors and is also often linked to things in life you can change (lifestyle factors like diet exercise and stress).
The exact genetic causes of type 2 diabetes are not known; but with the right education, support, and guidance the condition can be delayed or even prevented. With informed changes to diet and increasing the amount of physical activity a lot can be influenced.
Type 2 diabetes:
- Is diagnosed when the pancreas reduces its insulin supply (reduced insulin production) and/or the insulin stops working effectively and/or the cells of the body do not respond to insulin as they used to (known as insulin resistance)
- Represents 85–90 percent of all cases of diabetes
- Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in youth including children, adolescents, and young adults
- Occurs often in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes or from particular cultural backgrounds
- For some, the first sign may be a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision disturbance or a foot ulcer
- Is managed with a combination of exercise, diet and most importantly weight loss. As type 2 diabetes can change in time, many people will need oral tablets and/or insulin injections on top of lifestyle modifications over time
Symptoms
There are many people who report no symptoms of diabetes, as symptoms have crept up gradually over time and go unnoticed. As Type 2 Diabetes is often linked to aging, people commonly dismiss their symptoms in the thought that “maybe this is a part of getting older”. In some situations, by the time type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by the GP, the complications of diabetes may already be present.
Symptoms include:
- Being excessively thirsty
- Passing more urine
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Always feeling hungry
- Having cuts that heal slowly
- Itching, skin infections
- Blurred vision
- Gradually putting on weight
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Leg cramps
Type 3C Diabetes
Type 3c diabetes, also known as pancreatogenic diabetes, is a form of diabetes that develops as a result of damage to the pancreas. It is distinct from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, although it is often misclassified as type 2.
What causes Type 3c diabetes?
Type 3c diabetes occurs when the pancreas is damaged by disease, surgery, or injury, affecting both its endocrine (hormone-producing) and exocrine (digestive enzyme–producing) functions. Common causes include:
- Chronic pancreatitis (most common cause)
- Acute or recurrent pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic surgery (partial or total pancreatectomy)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Severe pancreatic trauma
- Haemochromatosis
How is it different from other types of diabetes?
In type 3c diabetes:
- The pancreas produces less insulin (similar to type 1)
- There is also reduced production of glucagon, which increases the risk of hypoglycaemia
- Digestive enzymes are often deficient, leading to malabsorption, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies
- Insulin resistance is usually not the primary problem, unlike type 2 diabetes
Common features and symptoms include:
- High blood glucose levels
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatty or pale stools (steatorrhoea)
- Abdominal pain (in some cases)
- Frequent hypoglycaemia once treated
- Deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Shireen is now consulting as the first Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, bringing specialised diabetes expertise into a leading comprehensive cancer centre. In this role, she supports patients who are managing diabetes alongside cancer treatment, addressing complex issues such as steroid-induced hyperglycaemia, treatment-related metabolic changes, and the safe use of glucose-lowering therapies. Her involvement helps improve glycaemic control, reduce complications, and empower patients with tailored education and practical strategies, ultimately supporting better treatment tolerance, outcomes, and quality of life.
Remission or Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes
At O’Brien Healthcare, we are committed to helping individuals achieve the best possible outcomes following a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. When identified early and managed proactively, many people can significantly improve their blood glucose levels and, in many cases, achieve remission through comprehensive lifestyle intervention.
Our personalised, evidence-based approach combines advanced diabetes education, tailored nutrition and lifestyle strategies, ongoing clinical support, and compassionate guidance from Shireen O’Brien. Every management plan is designed to meet your individual health goals and support lasting, sustainable change.
Many of our clients have successfully improved their glycaemic control, reduced their reliance on diabetes medications under the guidance of their treating medical practitioner, and regained confidence in managing their health.
Whether you have been newly diagnosed or are concerned about your future risk, O’Brien Healthcare provides the expertise, education, and ongoing support to help you take control of your health and work towards the best possible long-term outcomes.
Medication
In Australia there are seven classes of oral medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Oral medications:
- Biguanides
- Sulphonylureas
- Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
- Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
- Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors
- Sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors
Oral medications often need to be adjusted or reviewed and after many years on these agents, some people require “injectable ”therapy or insulin. The Credentialled Diabetes Educator and your GP work together in assessing when and if this will be required.
Injectable Therapies:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) (previously called incretin mimetics) – e.g. semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists – e.g. tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
Insulin therapy:
A range of insulin therapies is available in Australia, including rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting (basal), and premixed insulin. The most appropriate insulin regimen is carefully selected based on your individual health needs, treatment goals, and lifestyle.
Starting insulin therapy can feel like a significant step, but with the right education and support, it can become a simple and empowering part of your diabetes management.
Shireen provides personalised insulin initiation and ongoing guidance, ensuring you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way (you will have her mobile number and care that rises above).
From injection techniques and dose titration to blood glucose monitoring and hypoglycaemia prevention, you’ll receive comprehensive education to help you achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining the lifestyle that matters most to you.
O’Brien Healthcare provide exceptional client focussed services, with a motivation to provide quality & continuity at every level.
The Story
In 2005 Shireen O’Brien, together with her husband Stephen realised they shared a vision to establish an exceptional private diabetes education service, in a niche market.
Shireen whilst a Registered Nurse since 1997, completed a post graduate degree in Diabetes Education at Curtin University in 2006. She then went on to launch her very own full time “mobile diabetes education” service, to Cairns and the far north region.
The mobile diabetes education service had no government support or funding, and Shireen would travel up to and over 1000km per week; to see clients in the comfort of their own home, while she also visited every single GP in Cairns to introduce herself. Shireen’s passion to succeed was her point of difference.
Subsequently Shireen was recognised throughout the Far North Queensland for her excellent service and later grew to share a small office on Mulgrave Road, under the name of O’Brien Healthcare. There she stayed for over a year.
At the end of 2010 O’Brien Healthcare further developed and Shireen was blessed with an opportunity to open her very own practice at Suite 3 /320 Sheridan Street Cairns QLD.
Shireen was passionate about providing quality and continuity of care to both newly diagnosed and pre-existing people living with diabetes and her results have spoken for themselves.
Within a short time, O’Brien Healthcare grew into a holistic healthcare team; with the expertise of an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Endocrinologist, and a Credentialled Mental Health Nurse; all of which made for a great team.
Given O’Brien Healthcare had no funding of any sort, it was only through the support of local GPs; along with Shireen’s sheer passion and dedication that this business grew and flourished. They have now paved the way for future business models in diabetes education and hope to see a standard of excellence in client centered care.
With thousands of clients taking control of their diabetes and many reversing their diagnosis, Shireen’s reputation grew, and many clients would fly from overseas and interstate to engage with her.
After many years of success, and endless hours spent serving the community, Shireen (with the support of her husband) decided to downsize the business. In late December 2019 they moved out from the Sheridan St premises, and this was within weeks of the Pandemic hitting Australia.
O’Brien Healthcare now consult via private arrangements only and Shireen cares for several Indigenous communities in the far north of Queensland. As a company, the O’Brien’s are grateful for the support of the local community and the many Doctors who believed in Shireen’s vision to supply a “standard of excellence” in care.
NOW LOCATED in SYDNEY servicing all surrounding areas
Western Sydney, North Sydney and South Sydney and via video conferencing – Australia wide.
Inform the Licensing Authorities
If you develop diabetes, it’s vitally important that you check the guidelines via the Driver Licensing Authorities in your state or territory (as each state can be different).
In most cases if you treat your diabetes with insulin, you will require a medical certificate every two years and if you manage it via oral therapy every five years. If you manage your diabetes with diet and exercise alone, you are still required to advise them. If you are required to notify the authorities and choose not to, you could be charged with driving offences if you have a driving accident.
Medical standards for licensing
Medical requirements for unconditional and conditional licenses are outlined here.
Diabetes treated by glucose – lowering agents other than insulin for private drivers
Private vehicle drivers treated by glucose – lowering agents other than insulin may generally drive without license restriction (i.e. on an unconditional license) but should be required by the driver licensing authority to have five – yearly reviews.
Consultations
Executive Diabetes Education Package
A private, concierge-style diabetes education experience.
For those who value exceptional care, personalised service, and their time, the Executive Diabetes Education Package offers an exclusive one-to-one experience tailored entirely to your individual needs.
Designed for busy professionals, executives, and individuals seeking immediate access to expert diabetes care, this premium service provides comprehensive education, clinical guidance, and personalised support in a single half-day or full-day consultation. Appointments are delivered at your preferred location—home, workplace, hotel, or virtually—with flexible scheduling and, where possible, appointments available within 48 hours.
Rather than multiple appointments over several months, you’ll receive an in-depth, evidence-based education program that equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies to take control of your diabetes from day one.
Led exclusively by Credentialled Diabetes Educator Shireen O’Brien, each consultation is individually designed to align with your health goals, lifestyle, treatment options, and long-term wellbeing. Family members or support people are welcome to participate.
Your Executive Package may include:
- Comprehensive one-to-one diabetes education from a CDE with over 20 years experience
- Personalised treatment and medication education
- Review and explanation of your recent pathology and health results
- Blood glucose monitoring education and interpretation – Continious
- Glucose Monitoring (CGM) where suitable
- Lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and goal-setting strategies
- Insulin initiation or optimisation (where appropriate)
- Education on current diabetes technologies and treatment options
- Personalised written resources and support materials
- Ongoing follow-up recommendations tailored to your individual needs
- Care delivered in your chosen location
This service is ideal for those who prefer a discreet, efficient, and highly personalised healthcare experience without lengthy waiting lists, multiple appointments, or unnecessary travel. No referral required, just recent pathology.
Following a complimentary telephone assessment, Shireen will recommend the most appropriate package based on your individual requirements. Care continues beyond your consultation, with follow-up support available to ensure you remain confident and on track. No referral is required, just recent pathology and an up to date medical history, with medication list.
“I only accept a client into my Executive Package when I genuinely believe I can make a meaningful difference to their health and quality of life.” — Shireen O’Brien
Executive Diabetes Education Package
|
“EXECUTIVE” EDUCATION PACKAGE Supplied Australia wide (fly in fly out) |
HALF DAY – FULL DAY SERVICES Fee supplied upon assessment |
Register NOW for online empowerment!
Since Covid changed our world, it’s clear that quality education needs to be delivered differently.
People need to be able to access professional advice and guidance with the least risk to their personal health, optimal convenience and with minimal associated costs of travel.
Given there is a limited supply of Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDE’s) in Australia and even less with clinical experience, Shireen wants to share her expert knowledge to those far and wide. Saying, “why should those living in regional and remote areas miss out on my care and support”.
With her proof of success in diabetes education now being in the 000’s of clients; Shireen will inspire, engage, and empower those living with Type 2 Diabetes, through the ‘Zero to Hero’ Diabetes Education Program.
This LIVE, INTERACTIVE, ONLINE diabetes ZOOM education program, is delivered directly to the client with no need for a referral.
Essentially clients will have access to learning how to gain control of their diabetes or even reverse their diabetes, with the expert and personalised help of Shireen O’Brien. Access to information will be made easy and client’s will learn how to gain control or even reverse their Type 2 Diabetes.
Live
Interactive
Online
Benefits:
- Education & support delivered in the comfort of your home or office
- No need to travel, park or stay overnight to access care
- Interactive and informative content
- Ability to ask questions in a supportive group environment
- Ability to access information no matter what is going on in the world
- Greater flexibility in scheduling work
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Reduce stress linked to accessing accurate health information
- Ability to take part, with no pressure to answer questions
- Accessible personalised guidance from a health professional with exponential experience
- Increased self-motivation
- And you will have more time to do the things you love while still learning
Session Outline:
The ‘Zero to Hero’ Diabetes Education Zoom program, has an upfront payment from all participants.
There will be four sessions in total and all participants will receive educational material via email, throughout the program.
- Session 1 – What is Diabetes (Blood glucose testing, do I need to test, what should my BGL be, when should I test my BGL, Hypoglycemia, meter care, what does my pathology mean, HBa1c, what blood results do I aim for/how often, how do I get control of my diabetes or even reverse it).
- Session 2 – How do my medications work (what medication options do I have, what are the side effects, will I need insulin, Insulin management, sick day guidelines, what questions could I ask my GP or other health professional).
- Session 3 – Lifestyle & Diabetes (exercise, smoking, alcohol and diabetes, dental care, diet and weight loss, travel, diabetes, and driving).
- Session 4 – Complication prevention (linking up the big picture, stage of readiness to change, Medical Alert jewelry, Sleep Study, support services in Australia).
- Additionally:
– Helpful PDF educational sheets emailed to each participant
– Ability to ask Shireen questions via an initial phone meeting/email contact
CREDENTIALLED DIABETES EDUCATION FEE STRUCTURE
| Initial Consultation via face to face, Videocall or Telehealth (Approx. 60-70 minutes) | $368 |
| Mobile services in your home/office | Fee added based on distance |
| Follow-Up Consultation via face to face, Videocall or Telehealth (Approx. 60 minutes) | $318 |
| NDSS updated forms for people living with Type 1 Diabetes | $368 |
| Insulin Start | Fee supplied once service needs are assessed |
| Executive Education Package (Half to full day options) | Starts from $1,500 |
| Professional Group Education to Organisations | Price on request |
| Emergency Phone support | Fee charged at time of call |
| 12 month annual passport for *unlimited Diabetes care (perfect for the person who wants to get their Type 2 Diabetes in remission or the person who simply wants 12 months of support with lifestyle change) | $4,018 |
0410 530 247
shireen@obrienhealthcare.com.au
PO Box 58, Leppington 2179
Services can be delivered in multiple locations across Sydney and via video conferencing – Australia wide.
