People learn about diabetes in different ways, but diabetes education courses are an important way to build skills and confidence to manage diabetes. 9 out of 10 people feel more confident managing their diabetes after going on a course.
Most people with diabetes only spend around three hours a year with their doctor, nurse or consultant. For the other 8,757 hours they must manage their diabetes themselves.
Managing diabetes day to day can be difficult. There are questions, concerns and new challenges along the way. This is why it’s important that people have the knowledge and skills to manage their diabetes so they can live well and avoid complications.
Diabetes UK’s new Taking Control campaign wants to make sure that everyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is given the chance to learn about their diabetes.
Meet Eirian
Eirian was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes following a routine blood test. He was determined to take control of his diabetes so he attended the 'X-pert Health' education course. He now feels empowered to make the right choices for a healthy lifestyle.
Eirian volunteers for Diabetes UK Cymru to help provide Know Your Risk assessments to members of the public at our regular local Roadshows.
Meet Mel
Cardiff athlete Melanie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. She has attended a DAFNE education course, given by her local diabetes dietitian.
She said: “Going on the education course revolutionised the way I looked after my diabetes. I now know how to balance my diabetes management with nutrition and exercise, this is especially important as being an athlete is a big part of my life."
What needs to happen?
As part of Taking Control, people like Melanie and Eirian are campaigning to make sure that
- More people with diabetes are offered and go on diabetes education courses
- By 2020 every area in Wales is offering people with diabetes a different ways to learn about their diabetes
- People with diabetes feel they have the skills and confidence to manage their diabetes well, thereby reducing their risk of developing complications and improving their quality of life.
What you can do
People with diabetes
Join Eirian and Mel and support the Taking Control campaign to make diabetes education a reality for everyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
- If you’re interested in going on a course, your GP can refer you. Ask about what is available in your area.
- If you’ve been on a course email us your story to wales@diabetes.org.uk.
- Contact your local media about the value of diabetes education.
Healthcare Professionals
You can support the campaign by -
- Talking to your patients about the value of diabetes education – you can order our free posters, flyers or healthcare professional resource on the online shop.
If you’d like to get involved in the campaign, make the case for diabetes education locally or would like to share your experience, email us at wales@diabetes.org.uk.
