A new booklet for people with diabetes was launched at Ballarat’s recent Diabetes Expo. The booklet includes a directory of services and support information for diabetes sufferers in the Central Highlands Region.

You can access this resource at http://bddgp.org.au/diabetes#booklet.

The expo highlighted diabetes services available to the Ballarat community; including diabetes prevention. Heather Campbell and myself were on hand to discuss Diabetes risk assessment and the lifestyle modification programs offered in Ballarat.

Practice Nurse Gail Schuler also represented BDDGP and discussed the merits of GP Management Plans.

The Expo and Diabetes Information Resource for the Central Highlands Region were developed by the CHPCP Diabetes Steering Group, which comprises representatives from:

• Ballarat Community Health
• Ballarat District Nursing and Health Care
• Ballarat & District Division of General Practice
• Ballarat Health Services
• Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership
• Djerriwarrh Health Services
• Hepburn Health Services
• Hesse Rural Health Services
• St John of God Health Care Ballarat
• Consumers
• Diabetes Australia (National & State) and The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – Victoria
• Australian Diabetes Educators Association

News From Diabetes Victoria

Getting Started – type 2 diabetes information sessions

Diabetes Australia – Vic offers people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes or those who have not had diabetes education in the past, the opportunity to participate in a Getting Started – type 2 diabetes information session.

The one-off 2.5 hour session is run by a diabetes educator and a dietitian and provides patients with valuable information to get them started with managing their diabetes. Carers and family members are also welcome.

There are a number of sessions throughout the year and all are held at the Diabetes Australia – Vic office.

• Address: 570 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
• Cost: $10 for Diabetes Australia – Vic members, or $15 for non members.
• Dates: 3 and 13 August 2009.
• Bookings: No referral required but bookings essential.

To book phone the Diabetes Information and Advice Line on 1300 136 588.

Cultural Diversity Program

DA-Vic delivers diabetes awareness and prevention sessions within multicultural communities in Melbourne. The peer led program employs bilingual health workers who are trained to deliver diabetes prevention sessions in their first language.

The nine language groups available are:

• Arabic
• Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)
• Greek
• Italian
• Macedonian
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

The bilingual educators are trained in diabetes prevention and awareness messages which include the promotion of physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight and healthy diet in order to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Tags: diabetes