Learn how to reduce the risk of developing diabetes
Arun District Council’s Wellbeing Team holds regular workshops to educate people who have been identified as pre-diabetic about how to decrease the risks of developing type 2 diabetes.
The free three hour session covers what pre-diabetes is and provides information about the causes and associated complications of type 2 diabetes.
The number of people who can attend each workshop is kept small enough to encourage participants to get involved and ask questions.
Portion sizes, food groups and learning about how type 2 diabetes affects the body are just some of the topics covered, and ideas are shared round the group on what can be done to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including looking at healthy eating plans and exercise.
Arun District Council Wellbeing Advisor, Nicola Boreham, said: “The course on Monday, 24 October was very well attended. It was an interactive session, with the opportunity to get up and move around several times during the three hours.
“Attendees particularly enjoyed the nutrition segment where we discussed the Eat Well Guide and then worked in small groups to produce a balanced meal using ‘fake’ food.”
Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “These courses are fun and friendly and give participants all the information they need to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“A recent survey of participants on pre-diabetes courses revealed that over the period from September 2015 to March 2016, over 80% of those who were followed up three months after the workshop continued to make changes recommended on the workshop.”
Brenda Walters, who attended the workshop on Friday, 4 November, said: “Really enjoyed the programme – everything explained very well and easy to understand.”
Participants are also offered free ongoing one to one support after the workshop has finished with a trained Arun Wellbeing advisor, for up to six sessions at a time to suit them.
There are two workshops coming up – one in Littlehampton from 10am to 1pm on Monday 28 November, and one in Bognor Regis from 10am to 1 pm on Tuesday 6 December. Some GP surgeries also host pre-diabetes workshops run by Arun Wellbeing for their own patients – why not ask your GP if they do this?
To be eligible to take part in one of these workshops your GP or nurse must have told you that you are pre-diabetic. To book your place or for more information please contact 01903 737862 or info@arunwellbeing.org.uk. Please note booking is essential.
Visit the Arun Wellbeing website for more information about local wellbeing services in your area.