According to Diabetes Australia people with Diabetes experience increased rates of anxiety and depression compared to people without Diabetes. This can result in poor health outcomes due to decreased motivation to follow effective diet, exercise and adherence to medication practices.
It’s important to seek support in a timely manner to avoid negative long term complications such as Heart, Kidney, vision and nerve damage.
The City of Casey is reported to have some of the highest rates of Diabetes in Melbourne. On a positive note it was also identified as having some areas with lower rates. Casey also has a high migrant population whose diets and genetic make up can put them at increased risk of developing Diabetes compared to the general population.
People with Diabetes would benefit from programs to help them increase their knowledge about the impact of poorly managed Diabetes. This information would aid in better self management of their condition, thereby improving their health and well being.
Diabetes Self Management programs have been shown to help participants adopt a whole person approach. This can lead to not only improvements with Diabetes management but an overall improvement in their psychological health.
The Living Well with Diabetes Program will give participants an opportunity to address some of the lifestyle and psychological barriers to better Diabetes management. There is also the added bonus of the emotional support from others going through similar issues.
Some of the areas of frustration expressed by people with Diabetes were not being able to see Diabetic clinicians and specialists for long enough during consultations due to time constraints.
They also spoke about having to wait for weeks and sometimes months to get appointments.
This can lead to a further deterioration in their physical and mental health.
Diabetes Self Management programs are conducted over a 2 hrs period with the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.
Some past participants of the program spoke of feeling more empowered to better manage their Diabetes after the information gained during the program. Others reported feeling less burdened by having Diabetes. They credit applying the strategies learnt during the Program for their
change in mindset.
The Program also has the added benefit of participants being able to access ongoing individual Mental Health Support after the Program completion. Reduced rates apply when in possession of a Mental Health Careplan from their GP. These sessions will be conducted by a counsellor with experience in working with people with Diabetes. Let’s work together for a healthier Casey.
Diabetes Self Management Programs available at the Lynbrook Community Centre every Saturday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
Call Marcia from Glen Counselling on 0451 192 428 to register.
