Berwick diabetes sufferer Chrissie Robbins has urged local residents to attend a new healthy living course for pre-diabetics.
A NEW healthy living course is set to help Casey residents with pre-diabetes better cope with the disease.
Chrissie Robbins of Berwick was first diagnosed with diabetes a decade ago and has urged residents to attend the free new course.
The 49-year-old said her health had improved significantly after completing a similar course three years ago.
“I’m sorry they didn’t have this kind of course when I was first diagnosed 10 years ago,” Mrs Robbins said.
“My life has been quite difficult with diabetes. I am insulin dependent and I’ve also had neuropathy for the past two years, which means that I’ve lost feeling in all the nerves in my feet.
“I would definitely recommend this course for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes because once you understand pre-diabetes you can manage it so much better and hopefully avoid the complications.”
Mrs Robbins advised people at risk of diabetes to go straight to their doctor for a blood test as soon as the symptoms appeared.
“The sooner you get pre-diabetes sorted out the better you will be able to manage it,” Mrs Robbins said.
Recent statistics from Diabetes Australia reveal that almost one in four adults over the age of 25 years have either diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood glucose level is higher than normal, which can often lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Research has shown that by making positive lifestyle changes – such as eating healthily and exercising regularly – it is possible for people with pre-diabetes to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes. It was in response to this research that Southern Health and the Victorian Government’s ‘Go For Your Life’ program joined forces to bring the new diabetes prevention program to residents in the City of Casey.
A key part of the program is the healthy living course, which has been developed to help people with pre-diabetes establish healthy new habits.
The course is currently being offered free of charge to people with pre-diabetes, with the results to be used in further diabetes research.
The free course consists of six information sessions that focus on healthy eating and incorporating physical activity into the daily routine.
It is being held at various Cardinia Casey Community Health Service locations throughout October and November.
For more information about the Healthy Living Course, contact 9706 7311.
