What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is when there is too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. By learning about diabetes and really looking after yourself – your diet, exercise and lifestyle – you can avoid complications caused by this condition.
There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body isn’t able to use insulin properly, resulting in high blood glucose levels. This can lead to a wide range of health problems if not treated.
- Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, resulting in insulin deficiency.
- Gestational
Gestational diabetes is when a pregnant woman who was not known to have diabetes before pregnancy develops high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
While diabetes is a progressive condition, attending a diabetes self-management programme to learn as much as you can about diabetes, can help you live well with diabetes.
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What is the ‘Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes’ self-management programme
- an education programme, delivered in a small group and a relaxed environment
- 2.5 hours each week for 4 weeks
- delivered by a Programme Coordinator and has the input of a multi-disciplinary team which includes a: Clinical Nurse Specialist Diabetes, Dietitian, Green Prescription Coordinator and Primary Mental Health team member
- Free at attend
- encourages a family/whanau/partner/support person to attend
What will you learn at ‘Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes’ programme
- Understanding what diabetes is
- Understanding your HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Diabetes treatments and how to lower the risk of long-term complications to your eyes, kidneys, heart, feet and brain
- Managing your physical activity
- Healthy eating with practical tips
- Emotional wellbeing
- Goal setting and making a plan
- What support options are available and how to access them
Who is the ‘Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes’ Self-Management Programme for
This is for anyone with type 2 diabetes. We encourage you to bring family/whanau/partner/support person or friend with you.
How do you register?
You can register at any time by:
- phoning us on (03) 520 6200 or
- asking your Doctor or Practice Nurse to refer you to the ‘Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes’ self-management programme
