Monday 14 November 2011

Getting Back on Track

Type 2 diabetes is occurring in growing numbers in New Zealand. 280,000 New
Zealanders have diabetes and 500,000 New Zealanders are at risk of developing
diabetes.  

Poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes can lead to potentially devastating
complications that are expensive to treat.

In its early stages, Type 2 diabetes may cause little in the way of symptoms, and this often leads to it not being taken seriously to begin with, even though self-management education programmes are available in most areas for the newly-diagnosed.

Type 2 Diabetes is also known to be a progressive condition, meaning that management is intensified over time with the addition of more medication and often supplementary insulin.

However,
there is little or no continuing education for those who have had diabetes for some time and now find themselves poorly equipped to deal with the increasing complexity they are confronted with.

Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Takapuna North, Diabetes Auckland held a FREE one-day Refresher called Getting Back On Track for suburban North Shore residents that was piloted in Takapuna on November 19, led by their experienced Diabetes-Educator Team.

Getting Back on Track is designed to reinforce previous knowledge, providing an overview of current management strategies and support systems whilst encouraging participants to take charge of their condition again with the help of their primary care team.

If you have had type 2 diabetes for some time and feel you have gotten off a track lately or you just want fresh input, up-to-date information and support, this one-day Refresher could be an ideal way to get you back in charge again.   

It is hoped that Getting Back on Track can be offered in other areas in 2012.  Other Rotary clubs could sponsor more courses (with donations of $2,000 per course) tailored to their area, with Maori, Pacific Islands, Chinese and Indian translators available. 

Please contact Teresa at Diabetes Auckland on 623 4763 or service@diabetesauckland.org.nz

-          By Marguerite Durling, Assistant General Manager of Diabetes NZ Auckland and
Editor of dia-log