PEOPLE with diabetes on Wirral are being urged to sign up to a programme designed to help them make small changes to lifestyle and manage the condition on a daily basis.
Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC) has been raising awareness of its Diabetes Smart programme.
Diabetes Smart is a 'free and informative course' facilitated by trained professionals.
Sessions are designed to help people think differently about their diagnosis, make informed choices (healthy eating, physical activity, self-care) and feel positive about managing their diabetes on a daily basis.
There are sessions available on healthy lifestyle choices, support to manage weight, carbohydrate awareness and the effects on blood sugar levels, food labelling, physical activity, and keeping well with diabetes.
The trust's chief nurse, Paula Simpson said: "The team have been providing diabetes education in Wirral since 2008 and over the last five years the Diabetes Smart Programme has supported nearly 2000 local people to live well with diabetes.
"Any adult with diabetes can refer themselves into the service, giving them the flexibility to access the support they need."
Feedback from some of those who have attended the sessions has been great.
“It helped me to understand my diabetes more.”
“The sessions were informative, interactive and engaging.”
“It’s really good to be able to learn with other people, ask questions and exchange ideas.”
“Staff were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the interaction with other participants. It helps me to feel like I am not alone with my problem.”
One service user shared their experience after attending the Diabetes Smart Programme.
They said: "Just over 10 months of being on a low carb, low calorie diet (and loads of exercise), I’m over 9 stone lighter, diabetes is in remission, I’m off 2 of my 3 blood pressure pills and off statins. My BMI is 23.5 (first time since I was 16 at this size).
"The course was really helpful.
"Thanks for the course and the broader support from the NHS. It does work! Now for the hard work of keeping it off!"
If you, a family member or friend is living with diabetes, this course can help you to make small and meaningful changes to your lifestyle and help you manage the condition on a daily basis.
You can self-refer to Diabetes Smart using the easy to use online referral form on the Trust’s website wchc.nhs.uk or call the team on 0151 604 7271.
