In an effort to help people who have diabetes live better lives, Kaweah Delta will begin a series of free monthly diabetes support groups through October, in Visalia, Lindsay, Woodlake and Cutler/Orosi.
Tulare County continues to exceed state averages for rates of diabetes, according to the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency. Adults diagnosed with diabetes – one of several diseases linked to obesity – has climbed since 2007, reaching 13.2 percent in 2012, compared to 8.4 percent statewide in 2012.
Support group attendees can expect peer support in a small group atmosphere that is caring and safe. Each group will review the following monthly topics:
March: Seven Key Behaviors for Diabetes Self-Management
April: Kidney Disease/Dialysis
May: Foot care and Diabetes
June: Diabetes and Stroke
July: Rheumatoid Arthritis
August: New Medications/Treatment Options
September: Menopause…Help!
October: Share Healthy Recipes
The diabetes support groups are provided by Kaweah Delta’s Community Outreach Department in collaboration with Kaweah Delta’s Chronic Disease Management Center, the Lindsay Diabetes Project, and Community Services & Employment Center (C-SET) Senior Services.
The free diabetes support groups will take place on the following dates and at the following locations:
Visalia
-On the first Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease Management Center, 325 S. Willis St., Visalia.
Lindsay (Spanish and English)
-Spanish: On the second Thursday of the month from 5:30 -7 p.m. at Lindsay Healthy Start Family Resource Center, 400 E. Hermosa, Lindsay.
-English: On the third Tuesday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. at Lindsay Healthy Start Family Resource Center, 400 E. Hermosa, Lindsay.
Woodlake
-On the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Woodlake Manor Apartments, 200 E. Sierra Ave., Woodlake.
Cutler/Orosi
-On the last Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Cutler Senior Center, Ledbetter Park, 12691 Avenue 408, Cutler.
For more information on Kaweah Delta’s diabetes support groups, please call 624-2416.
I was diagnosed as type 2 last year, my weight was 125kg, my doctor wanted me to start insulin and encouraged a diet with an alarming amount of carbs, so I went to boots and bought a blood sugar tester that I used every day, and started on a Atkins type diet. I.e no carbs….. and when I say no carbs I really mean none. So lots of meats and fish, eggs etc. I also got some useful information here http://mydiabetesway.com/7-steps-to-health-and-the-big-diabetes-lie-review I gradually started loosing weight at a rate of 3kg per month and Im now 94kg, I have never taken insulin and in a few months I will be my target weight. my lifestyle can never go back to carbs, but I can have some nowerdays without my blood sugar increasing, so if I want a curry I can have a Nan bread with it but no rice chips etc. And to be honest when you cut out carbs you can eat a lot of really tasty things that help lose weight a fry up without the beans is fine, lamb chops and kebabs without the bread etc. The only downside is because of the extra fat intake I need to be doing daily cardio. I really believe doctors are offered too many incentives by drug companies and tend to love writing prescriptions instead of encouraging a positive change in our lifestyles.