Group 'empowers' diabetics to manage condition

Sandra McDermott says attending the group is helping her to manage her condition

A support group set up for diabetics over 60 "empowers" people to manage their condition, a woman with the disease has said.

Sandra McDermott, 69, had Type 2 diabetes diagnosed 20 years ago and attends the monthly meeting "to get the information I need to help me, help myself."

Organised by the charity Northamptonshire Carers, the sessions are held in Wellingborough and involve an educational talk, a wellbeing activity such as watercolour painting or Tai Chi, and lunch.

"I ignored the diabetes for a long, long time because I suppose I was scared of it and now is the time to take control, so it's really good to be with people that really understand, I have learnt so much," Ms McDermott added.

Diabetes is a condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.

Alexis O'Callaghan, a diabetes specialist dietician for the NHS, shares tips on healthy eating with the group.

She said misinformation can be a "problem".

"I visit to offer advice, answer questions and most importantly let them know they can still enjoy their food," she added. 



"It's not all doom and gloom, there's a lot of positive things that they can do to manage their diabetes."

• Diabetes: What is it and what causes it?

Gaynor Roberts, who organises the meetings, hopes to encourage people to make healthier food choices

Gaynor Roberts, group facilitator at Northamptonshire Carers, is in charge of organising each session, including what is on the menu.

"We try to make sure people get a balanced meal with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as high-protein and low-sugar foods," she said.

To make sure what is available is affordable and accessible, food is bought from a variety of supermarkets.

"They have a choice, but it is a healthy choice, so what we hope to do is set an example," Ms Roberts said.

"The feedback we get from people about how [attending the group has] changed their lives and changed their lifestyle is really quite amazing."