Support offered at Durbanville clinic for patients diagnosed with diabetes

Durbanville Community Day Centre has invited patients diagnosed with diabetes to participate in its initiative, which aims to equip them with the necessary information.

The Great For Diabetes programme, an initiative designed to support individuals living with diabetes, has been available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the facility since the beginning of this month. 

It is facilitated by trained nurses to guide patients through every part of the programme, according to Megan Davids, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.

The programme consists of four sessions: Lessons about diabetes; in-depth explanations about exercise and diet; lessons about type 2 diabetes, medication and debunking myths; and tips about avoiding further condition-related complications.

Liesel Rose, facility manager at Durbanville day centre and a member of the coordinating team for the programme,  said, “Living with diabetes can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining the Great for Diabetes programme is a space to invest in yourself where you can learn and find strength within your community.”

A professional nurse at the day centre, Micaela Burrows, said they were hoping that more patients will be joining the initiative.

Participants who leave the programme after the four sessions would be better informed and also be motivated to manage their condition more effectively. Later on, participants are welcome to come back for a refresher course, said Ms Davids.

“We don’t always know what to ask or who to ask. I’m really grateful that the facility invited me to join so that I can be better informed.” said Nowethu Nomntsentse, a patient who is part of the programme

For more information about joining Great for Diabetes, contact Durbanville Community Day Centre at 021 829 8330.