Support to be ‘Living Well with Diabetes’

Living well with diabetes can mean some significant changes to your day-to-day habits, such as what you eat and how much exercise you do. Support and education to make those changes is now at hand, with a group education program for people with Type 2 Diabetes as part of Narrabri Community Health’s ‘Living Well With Diabetes’ program.

Diabetes Educator Natalie Smith and Dietitian Onika Wolters say they are very excited about the upcoming launch of the new group education program on Monday 14 July, at Narrabri Bowling Club at 10am-12 noon.

Ms Smith, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Diabetes, said the group is targeting people who have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and existing clients who are having difficulty stabilising their diabetes.

"Uncontrolled diabetes can cause significant harm to your body. Kidney disease, circulation problems and blindness can be some of the long term complications of diabetes," she said.

"It really is worth the effort to get it your diabetes under control. It’s often easier than most people think, once you get some support."

People interested in attending will be offered an initial assessment by the diabetes educator, prior to attending the group education session. Ongoing individual consultations will then be provided as required.

"The number of people being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes is growing, and this program is aimed to better meet the individual needs of people who live in Narrabri.

"We are re-modelling the local diabetes service. We have already commenced more convenient clinics, where diabetes clients can see the diabetes educator, dietitian and foot care nurse on the same day. We also prioritise high-risk clients to podiatry services.

"This has already received positive feedback from clients as we have seen improved access to services," Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said the upcoming launch will be held in the Narrabri Bowling Club where people are invited to have a cuppa, morning tea and learn about diabetes, looking after yourself and healthy eating.

Future education sessions will be held monthly at Narrabri Community Health Centre.