Putting diabetics back in control

09/07/2009 | Putting diabetics back in control

The Manawatu Horowhenua and Tararua Diabetes Trust are giving people with diabetes the skills to manage their condition through a range of diabetes support and education courses.

The Trust, funded by MidCentral District Health Board, facilitates free courses for anyone affected by diabetes, including family members who themselves don’t have the condition.

There are four courses; a healthy living course, which helps people learn how to manage their diabetes in conjunction with their health provider, a cooking course to help families learn about cooking healthy meals that the family can enjoy together without adversely affecting their condition. Type 1 Diabetes specific courses are now also available – carbohydrate awareness and a support persons’ course.
Trust education manager and course facilitator, Jacqui Thompson, says the emphasis throughout all courses is on putting those with diabetes in control.

“Many people who come to the courses are frightened about what their diabetes diagnosis means and a natural response is to ignore the condition,” explains Mrs Thompson.

“At the courses we help them understand that with good management they can manage their diabetes and not have diabetes control them.”

When Sue Ford was diagnosed with type two diabetes in February 2009 her first reaction was shock but two days later she saw the Trust’s healthy living course advertised and decided to take control.

“I really enjoyed the healthy living course, it taught me a lot about what was happening inside my body that I couldn’t see,” says Ms Ford. “I needed to make some major lifestyle changes and the course equipped me to do this.”

Ms Ford says the support from other people on the course was invaluable. “We had a very open and honest group and it was reassuring to hear that other people were feeling the same way I was.”

Six months down the track and Ms Ford is well and truly in control of her condition. Her GP is impressed with her progress. She reflects that there have been some positives about her diagnosis.

“There are some huge benefits from being forced to improve my lifestyle,” explains Ms Ford. “I’ve lost a lot of weight, I’m exercising daily and I have more energy than ever before. I don’t get tired quickly like I used to and I’m able to get out and enjoy life in a way I have not been able to for quite a while.

“The Diabetes Trust’s courses, as well as the support of my family and general practice team, have all played an important role in helping me get control of my diabetes but ultimately the buck stops with me, the healthy living course empowered me to accept that.”

The Diabetes Trust’s courses run throughout the year across the MidCentral district. For more information contact Jacqui or Diane on (06) 3575992 or email admin@diabetestrust.org.nz

CONTACT:
For more information please contact
 
Caroline Rowe
Communications Advisor Funding Division
MidCentral DHB
021 162 0274