DESMOND

It was definitely a shock! Following a routine blood test I was told that I had Type 2 diabetes. Initially I couldn’t believe it as I had always been fit, of normal weight for my height and after retirement had been a regular at the gym maintaining a very active lifestyle. But then, wasn’t Olympic oarsman Steve Redgrave a diabetic….perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad after all. My Practice Nurse and Doctor were most supportive but it was hard to accept. I read several books on the subject, which probably didn’t help and then it was suggested I might like to attend a DESMOND course. Remembering some of the boring and impractical courses I had attended when working, I was very dubious, but eventually my wife persuaded me to give it a try.

So it was with a certain amount of scepticism that I joined a small group of recently diagnosed diabetics at Coxheath. I think we were all apprehensive but gradually relaxed as we were encouraged to pose questions as well as contributing to the discussions arising from our own experiences and in so doing we widened our knowledge of the subject. The sessions sorting edible items into “good or bad for us categories” saw some surprising facts emerge and demonstrated that attention to food labelling was now very important. A pleasant relaxed atmosphere prevailed and the DESMOND folders given us are very effective reminders of the salient points raised.

Would I recommend a DESMOND course? Yes, it was definitely worth while giving me a better understanding of Type 2 diabetes both now and in the future, whilst tactfully suggesting measures that I could take to help myself. Perhaps it could help you?

By Alan Dibble