Bridges Patient Participation Group (PPG) in Weymouth has brought back its popular pre-diabetes sessions for patients diagnosed with the condition. The talks, with diabetic dietitian Isi Hooley, gave people the opportunity to ask questions about pre-diabetes to help their understanding and learn how a slight change in their lifestyle can help them control the condition, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.
Guests were also introduced to LiveWell Dorset who provide a one-to-one coaching service to help improve people’s lifestyles, and to Living Well Taking Control, responsible for delivering the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in Dorset, either as part of a local group or through a simple-to-use app, aimed at supporting people to significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Sue Brunt, Chair of Bridges Patient Participation Group said, “The PPG developed the idea of holding support sessions for people with pre-diabetes after some members were diagnosed with the condition and wanted to help others who were in the same position.”
“Our talks are designed to give people newly diagnosed with pre-diabetes a snapshot of what the condition is and how they can manage it. Bridges practice is very supportive of the initiative and we’re working with other PPGs and practices in the area to bring the pre-diabetes sessions to them.”
Patient Participation Groups are run by volunteers and work alongside practice teams within GP surgeries. As well as providing feedback to practices on the services it provides and helping get information out to the wider patient population, groups work on projects which bring health and wellbeing benefits to their fellow patients.
If you would like more information about Bridges PPG or have any questions about the pre-diabetes sessions please contact: communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk
