Diabetes:

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot properly use and store food for energy. The fuel that your body needs is called glucose, a form of sugar. To control your body glucose, you will need to eat healthy foods, be active, and may need to take pills and or insulin.

What can I do?

You have a major role in the ongoing management of your diabetes. Access to a team of qualified health professionals is helpful for managing your diabetes and preventing or delaying long term complications. The diabetes education program can assist you in making self-management goals that are individualized for you. Please call to book an appointment.

Who will you see?

The program is comprised of a Registered Dietitian and a Registered Nurse, who are both also Certified Diabetes Educators. A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a health professional, committed to excellence in diabetes education, and specializes in helping you manage your diabetes. They must pass the Canadian Diabetes Educator's Certification Board exam.

What does our program do?

• Individual counselling
• Interactive small group sessions
  • Conversation Map classes
    • Introduction or refresher to living with diabetes
  • Introduction to Canadian Diabetes Association Resistance Band program
    • Keeping your muscles active and healthy through regular resistance training will greatly improve your management of diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends resistance activies 3 times a week.
  • Craving Change 5 week workshop offered twice a year
    • Craving Change is designed for those who: struggle to maintain healthy eating habits, say they eat for comfort or in a response to strong feelings, feel frustrated with the usual weight loss diet programs, want to feel more in control with their eating

What will I learn?

The program provides the opportunity to learn self-management skills.

You will learn to:

• Understand healthy food choices and nutrition for all occasions;
• Test your own blood sugar and understand the results;
• Understand the value of physical activity;
• Prevent or delay complications;
• Understand your medications and insulin;
• Explore ways we can support you with your self-management

How do I contact the diabetes program?

Call 519-235-5175 to book your appointment or request more information

Program hours are 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday to Friday

• Canadian Diabetes Association
• Eating Right Ontario
• The Heart and Stroke Foundation
• The Healthy Canadians
• Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
• Huron Perth Diabetes Program