Residents living with type two diabetes will have the chance to attend a free information session in Bridgetown.
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The Connect with Diabetes session on Monday, February 19 will help people to better understand diabetes and the importance of self management, and to make small changes to live a healthier life with their family.
Diabetes WA Operations Manager Sophie McGough said the organisation was coming to Bridgetown for the first time as part of a program to extend its services into regional Western Australia.
“Type two diabetes can be easy to ignore if you’re busy and there are few symptoms, but day to day management is very important to long-term health,” she said.
“The Connect with Diabetes session aims to bring diabetes back to the front of mind.
“Participants will also find out about local Bridgetown services that are available to them.”
It is estimated there are over 250 people living in the Bridgetown-Greenbushes region with type 2 diabetes, two-thirds of whom are aged between 60 and 80 years old.
“Even if only 10 per cent of those people came to the Connect with Diabetes session and learned something that helped them, they could reduce the burden that type 2 diabetes could have on their quality of life and time spent with loved ones in the future,” Ms McGough said.
Bridgetown diabetes support group leader Joy Ingram said she was looking forward to the session.
“I’ve noticed through the support group that a lot of people living with diabetes in Bridgetown don’t know about the support services available to them, so I’m looking forward to this session really helping locals to connect with services that will help”, she said.
Shire of Greenbushes chief executive officer Tim Clinch was keen to support the event by providing the venue.
“The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes got involved with Diabetes WA because we want to help our community gain as much education and support as they need about their health”, he said.
The Connect with Diabetes event is brought to Bridgetown with the support of Diabetes WA, the National Diabetes Services Scheme and the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes. Bookings are essential.
Anyone interested should contact Diabetes WA on 1300 001 880 or visit www.diabeteswa.com.au for more information or to book.