Be Diabetes Smart with new programme
Diabetes Smart is a free interactive online education platform available at www.diabeteseducation.ie developed by Diabetes Ireland with support from Novo Nordisk. This free interactive programme has been updated to meet the increasing demand for supports from people with Type 2 diabetes who want to learn more about their condition and how to manage it effectively.
Due to the significant burden placed on GPs and the health care system over the last two years because of the Covid 19 pandemic, many people with Type 2 diabetes have not had regular review appointments with their GP or their diabetes team. Diabetes Smart is a free online resource that will give those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes the opportunity to educate themselves about their condition and how to manage it effectively no matter how long they have been living with the condition.
The programme has been developed by diabetes healthcare professionals to support a busy lifestyle and participants can pause their interactive learning at any stage of the journey and resume with ease. Deirdre McTeigue who has trialled the Diabetes Smart programme said: “I really liked the visuals and the videos. As I’m newly diagnosed, I’m finding it all a bit daunting, I like that I can go back and look at the diagrams /videos again. I also like that I can share the material with my husband and children so they can understand and better support me. Especially as it’s also online, I can share it with my family. I find that they are now more willing to come out walking with me and more encouraging with the diet. Having Diabetes is restrictive, but I now know very manageable, and we can’t say that about a lot of illnesses.”
According to the 2021 Healthy Ireland survey, diabetes is the third most diagnosed condition in Ireland, and it is expected that the number of people with Type 2 diabetes will increase by 60% over the next 10-15 years. People with Type 2 diabetes also run a greater risk of developing one or more severe health complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, blindness, and lower limb amputation, which can greatly impact their independence and quality of life. However, through effective management strategies people living with Type 2 diabetes can significantly improve their health and reduce the risk of developing more severe health issues and potentially even reverse their condition and protect their future health.
The Diabetes Smart programme contains six interactive modules, covering topics that explains what diabetes is, understanding the key medical information such as blood glucose levels, managing illness, and provides lots of tips on healthy eating and getting active.
Diabetes Smart is an online resource available 24/7 giving the participant the freedom to avail of this resource at any stage of their journey. Take a step to protect your health today and visit Diabetes Smart Online at www.diabeteseducation.ie to find out how you can manage Type 2 diabetes or learn more about how to support someone living with this chronic condition.