DUE to exceptional rising rate of diabetes in the UK, currently sat at just over 3.5 million people, local NHS Diabetes teams are thinking outside the box to help people manage their condition.
Supporting people with diabetes holistically, West Hampshire Community Diabetes Service provides a range of education programmes providing tools to help people understand and manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Due to the success of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust (SHFT) practical cookery course for those living with diabetes, ‘Freshclub’, piloted before Christmas, a further course has started in Romsey, with one beginning in Winchester this month.
The four-week long cookery course enables people living with diabetes to understand the importance of good nutrition in their management of their diabetes, offering new tips and skills in meal preparation for the whole family and offers low carb swaps and alternatives. The course is packed full of energy, enthusiasm and peer support whilst also providing access to a specialist team in a relaxed environment. The classes focus on different type of food in each session and the classes are hands on participation.
It is ideal for people with or caring for someone with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Each session includes low carbohydrate ideas for those looking to reverse type 2 diabetes.
Sarah Woodman, Head of Diabetes West Hampshire, said: "we are really excited to be able to offer more practical cookery classes to help people living diabetes to learn new skills, try new foods and techniques, meet others and grow in confidence in the kitchen in order to help manage their diabetes”.
Feedback from the pilot was: 72 per cent of participants reported increased confidence in cooking/food preparation and 100 per cent felt they had improved eating habits/diet with others reporting improvement in diabetes control, weight and general self-esteem as a result of attending Freshclub.
The classes will take placeNo5 Bridge Street, Winchester, from March 25. Classes are £20 for the 4 week course to cover the cost of the ingredients.
You can book your place at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fresh-club-4-week-course-no5-winchester-tickets-56038702267
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