Diabetes: Get your support in order Be proactive and create a strong support system. That’s the message for people with Type 2 Diabetes. According to local resident Sue, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2017, being proactive and the support of friends, family, medical professionals and the broader community can help you achieve positive results in managing your type 2 diabetes. “Knowing my type 2 diabetes can be largely managed through maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity makes me feel relieved. Surrounding myself with the right support to achieve all this is so important,” Sue said. “I’m very lucky to have a great GP and dietitian. The key for me to stay motivated and on track with my diabetes management is surrounding myself with friends, activities and keeping socially busy. Also seeking ways to educate myself.” When Sue was first diagnosed with diabetes, she attended the local Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ workshop. The free, group education workshop provides information on type 2 diabetes self-management, prevention awareness, healthy lifestyle behaviours and further links to community support. “I am blessed that I feel well and healthy and I can still make good decisions. The hardest thing about my diagnosis has been to accept that I have type 2 diabetes, manage it the best I can and just move on,” Sue said. “I found the workshop so beneficial to moving towards this acceptance. Learning I had so much power to manage my own condition and being reassured I was doing what I needed to do, gave me confidence. “I will be attending it again for a refresh to check I am doing everything possible and pick-up more useful tips on healthy eating. It is important to be proactive and aware of the complications from type 2 diabetes to make sure you live your most healthy life,” she said.

The ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ workshops are delivered regularly across the Sunshine Coast and are open to anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and family or carers are also welcome to attend. The next workshops to be delivered will be in Caloundra on 13 February, Maroochydore on 20 February and Gympie on 27 February. All workshops are free of charge and run from 9am-1pm. Bookings are essential. Phone 5479 9670. MEDIA OPPORTUNITY Interview and photo opportunities are available with Diabetes patient Sue as well as Health Promotions Officer Kerry Roach. WHEN: Thursday 30 January, 9:45am WHERE: Caloundra Health Service, West Terrace, Caloundra ENDS Media contact: Alicia Temple | Alexia Kelly | 5202 0083 | 0408 713 747

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T2D sufferer Sue Hanna.