Member Advice on Diabetes > Reviews (33)

I have had a number of blood tests recently, which indicate that I have a high risk of getting Diabetes Type 2. This is why I have enrolled on a structured patient information course, specially designed for people with Type 2 diabetes called the "X-Pert Programme". This course gives you the opportunity to increase your skills, knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes and is completely free when you are referred by your GP.

The programme is run over 6 weeks :-

Week 1 - What is diabetes + Health results
Week 2 - Weight management - what is considered to be a portion?
Week 3 - Carbohydrates + GI awareness
Week 4 - Food labels, activity and stress
Week 5 - Possible complications and understanding tablets
Week 6 - Evaluation + Life issues and driving.

Each sesion is approximately 2 - 21/2 hours long with an interval for tea/coffee in the middle.

Although I don't have diabetes at the moment, I thought I would attend these meetings to find out more about this disease and if possible, learn how I could control my diet to avoid taking medications in the future.

At the very first meeting I felt comfortable and reassured that I had done the right thing. I was given the opporunity to ask questions, talk to other people and air my views, worries and concerns, just like everybody else.

I learnt alot about the disease and that it can be controlled with through diet and exercise.The professionals answered all my questions fully and explained the importance of monitoring glucose. They also, talked about the up - to - date treatments and medications.

In the second week I learnt about the "eat well plate" and the balance between fats, proteins and carbohydrates and the group were also, given a talk about physical activities and what was available locally at the Leisure Centre and in many cases, at reduced rates. We were then given the opportunity to plan a dietary action plan with advice and help.

Week 3 was particularly interesting as I learnt how the starches and sugars affect the blood glucose levels and the myths of a sugar free diet I had heard of were dispelled.

In Week 4 the whole group visited a supermarket with clip boards looking at the foods we normally bought in the shopping and I developed my understanding of the " traffic light system", daily amounts and nutritional labels.

Week 5 we talked about the short and long term effects of the disease including, hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, heart circulation, eyes and kidneys and although this obviously has alot of relevence to the course,this was the first time I felt as though I was back at school and I'm afraid switched off at times.

In the last sessions we were given the opportunity to ask questions, looked at available resources and had a tasting session from specially adapted recipes. I particularly enjoyed the chocolate cake, where Angel Delight was spread in the middle and on top of the cake as a substitute for cream, jam and icing and the banana nut loafmade from oat bran. I have to confess I have not actually made these myself yet.

When I do I will add the recipes at a later date for anyone who is interested.

All in all a very worth while course for anyone like me who could develop Type 2 diabetes. It is informative, interesting and helps dispel concerns and worries. without getting too technical.

I am now on a mission to reduce my body weight and waist circumference, by improving my diet and increasing my physical activity levels.

For anyone interested visit www.xperthealth.org.uk for more information.

Summary: Worth while for high risk/newly diagnosed diabetics