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Halton Diabetes Program at MDH
by Rebecca Stoneman
The Halton Diabetes Program at Milton District Hospital provides information, counselling and support for adults with diabetes and their families.
Through education, the program helps people with diabetes make healthy lifestyle choices to decrease the risk of complications and delay the progression of diabetes. "Diabetes is something you have to live with on a day-to-day basis. It influences every food choice you make," says MDH dietitian Kerstin Fredriksson. Keeping the blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats at a healthy level is the key to living well with diabetes. "The responsibility for looking after diabetes belongs to the individual," says Kerstin. "We give them the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their own health."
"Learn now, we tell people. Prevent complications later because they can be prevented," explains Mary Merry, Nurse Educator at MDH.
The program is run on an individual and group basis. Participants take part in three classes, spread over three weeks, which cover basic knowledge about diabetes management. The group format of the program creates a support system for those participating and their families. Individuals are encouraged to take part in modules that follow the three weeks of classes, however they are not mandatory.
"We recognize that if someone is not interested in learning about a specific topic, they do not want to sit and listen to me talk about just that for an hour. The modules allow people to learn more about the topics that they are interested in," says Mary. "The classes give them general information which allows them to make informed choices as far as the modules are concerned." Topics covered in the modules include label reading, exercise, dining out, over-the-counter medications, footcare, and heart health.
Kerstin and Mary work with each individual to create a plan that will work for them. "We try to make the diabetes management fit into their routine. Most people have very little time," says Kerstin. "We don't want to turn their life upside down."
Sometimes it's difficult to convince people they need to work now to prevent problems in the future. "Many people come to us feeling well, and ask 'Why should I worry now?'" says Kerstin. "Diabetes is a progressive disease therefore it needs ongoing education and treatment."
Another challenge is the variety of different situations each individual brings. "Some people come to us in anger or disappointment. They do not want to have diabetes," explains Mary. "Some are overwhelmed and full of fear. There are a lot of emotions."
"Our first job is to convince them that diabetes is not their fault but it is their responsibility," says Kerstin. "Diabetes can be managed. What we basically want people to walk away from us with is hope."
For more information, please call the Halton Diabetes Program at MDH at 905-878-2383 ext. 7410.
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