Rebecca’s journey to better health

Rebecca is a proud Arabana woman, originally from Port Augusta and now living in Morphett Vale. When she was referred to Sonder’s Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) program by her GP, she was ready to make positive changes.

At the time, Rebecca had been living with type 2 diabetes for five years. She was also living with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more recently, a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. To top it all off, she was also experiencing ongoing back pain, making it hard for her to complete daily activities and exercise. Managing her increasingly complex health was becoming overwhelming.

While exploring strategies for diabetes management, Rebecca had trialled continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors through the hospital system and noticed real improvements in her blood sugar levels. But once the trial ended, the ongoing cost of sensors made it impossible to continue. That’s when her GP suggested Sonder’s Closing the Gap ITC program and made a referral not only for diabetes support, but also for specialist advice on treatment for her chronic back pain, which a bulging disc was likely causing.

Support from Sonder

Rebecca was clear about what she wanted to achieve with Sonder. Her main goal was to get her diabetes under control by stabilising her blood sugars and restarting a CGM trial over a longer period. She also longed for relief from her back pain so she could enjoy daily life without being held back. Beyond that, she wanted to feel stronger, more active, healthier, and more optimistic again about her future.

After joining the CTG ITC program, she connected with staff who took the time to understand her health needs, challenges, and her hopes for change: Nicola (Care Coordinator – Registered Nurse) and Ramon (Outreach Worker).

With Nicola and Ramon’s help, Rebecca began a six-month CGM trial, attending fortnightly appointments with Diabetes Educator, Rema. In just three months, her hemoglobin A1c (a blood test that provides information about your average blood sugar levels) dropped from 11.6% to 9.3%. As an added benefit, her CGM sensors showed Rebecca in real-time how her choices affected her blood sugar.

Rema organised a case conference with Rebecca and her care team to review her medications and ensure she had the right plan in place. She also received practical education on using insulin consistently, building her confidence in self-management.

Rebecca then connected with a dietitian, who provided advice on healthy eating and weight management. Together, they worked in partnership to make realistic, sustainable changes to her diet. Next, Rebecca linked with an exercise physiologist, who created a gym-based program tailored to her needs and abilities. She has since continued this program at her local gym.

The CTG ITC program also funded an MRI for Rebecca to investigate her back pain. From there, her team organised a private orthopaedic consultation to review the results and get advice on the best possible treatment.

With these supports, tools, knowledge, and lifestyle changes, Rebecca felt more in control of her diabetes.

Throughout Rebecca’s entire journey, her CTG ITC team made sure she could get to appointments and stayed motivated.

Life today

These days, Rebecca enjoys a routine that lets her live life to the fullest. She exercises five times a week: three hydrotherapy sessions, and two gym sessions that follow her personalised exercise program.

Her diet is healthier, her blood sugars are more stable, and she feels stronger and more energetic. Most importantly, she’s found a renewed sense of drive and optimism about her health.

When Rebecca looks back on her journey so far, she credits the support she’s received with helping her find the motivation to keep going.

“Without Sonder and Nicola’s encouragement and support, I do not think I would have my current drive to be healthy and positive about my future. I am very grateful for this program. I can’t praise Sonder and all who work there enough. Thank you so much.”

About the Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care program

Sonder’s Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care program offers free, culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic health conditions such as:

• Kidney disease.
• Heart disease.
• Lung disease.

The program brings together a team of Care Coordinators, Outreach Workers, and Aboriginal Health Project Officers who:

• Help clients understand their condition and build self-management skills.
• Support access to doctors, specialists, and allied health services.
• Provide transport assistance and encouragement to attend appointments.
• Connect clients with ongoing community supports to improve overall wellbeing.

The CTG ITC program is available for people living in metropolitan Adelaide, Gawler-Barossa, Yorke Peninsula & Mid-North South Australia.

To get started, make an appointment with your regular GP or Aboriginal Health Worker. Ask them to complete an Aboriginal Health Check and/or a GP Management Plan and make a referral to Sonder.

If you do not have a regular GP, contact us at (08) 8209 0700 or email info@sonder.net.au and we’ll help you to access the service.