Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local Lisburn Diabetes UK Support Group, a Living with Diabetes Day was hosted at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club for anyone living with Type 2 diabetes or anyone caring for someone with Type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the day was to provide more information about diabetes and empower people to live well with this lifelong condition.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Volunteer Development Manager, Heather Causer, said, 'We dedicated a lot of time on the day to learning about managing diabetes and all the different aspects of the condition that needed attention. It was great to have such an engaged group of people really keen to know diabetes. They asked questions that most people face when living with this serious condition; food, what to eat and how much to eat as well as guidance on insulin and other medication.
"We had a really enjoyable session on movement and activity as sometimes this can be quite daunting if someone isn't used to exercising. This was a simple introduction and everyone really enjoyed it. It definitely made fitness fun again! It was also great to have our National Care Advisor and trained Diabetes Specialist Nurse there to answer any questions anyone had. The more we know about diabetes the better we can fight it together. With 90 per cent of those living with diabetes having Type 2 diabetes, days like this one has been really beneficial in reaching more people and raising awareness.'
The Living with Diabetes Day finished with information being given on opportunities for support which people can get through Diabetes UK and other sources.
In NI, Diabetes UK helps to run 26 support groups. Derek Shuter, Chair of the Lisburn Support Group, referred to the benefits of attending a group: 'Groups aim to add to people’s knowledge of their condition. We try to do this by inviting speakers on topics relevant to diabetes. The topic at the December meeting of the Lisburn Group will be: "Food, fats, carbohydrates and Christmas!"' Derek concluded: 'We find it useful to share experiences and learn from each other.' For information on the Lisburn Support Group, telephone 07763786009 or call Diabetes UK Northern Ireland on 9066 6646.
