Diabetic Health Clinic making a difference in Gympie
Cathy Kerkvliet, Gympie Diabetic Health Clinic | 25th Jun 2017 4:00 PM
NEW START: Participants in Gympie’s new Diabetic Health Clinic learn about nutrition and healthy foods.
ON DECEMBER 2, 2016 The Gympie Times published a front page article naming Gympie in the top 20 heaviest towns in Australia.
Well, thanks to the Diabetic Health Clinic program, dozens of Gympie residents have lost a combined total in excess of 200kg.
Gympie was privileged to host this 12-week community-based Diabetic Health Clinic where founder/director Peter Pratt travelled from Brisbane on a weekly basis to present this very educational and life-changing program.
Topics included Diabetes the Disease, Effects of Diabetes, Diabetes Medications, Nutrition and Foods, Exercise, Life coaching and much more.
Although the name suggests diabetic, many participants were not diabetic and still experience weight loss.
Participants were able to log into the DHC website and enter their personal information to track their progress throughout the 12 weeks.
Mr Pratt encourages participants to consult their medical practitioners during the program. GPs can access patient information via a doctors’ portal to oversee their patient’s progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
Lex Powell finally agreed to come along after his wife saw the article in The Gympie Times regarding the DHC program coming to the Gympie.
“I had gained 20kg over 30 years and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels,” he said.
“Despite attending Diabetic Education services, I still couldn’t lose the weight and lacked the motivation to change my lifestyle.
“By the end of the DHC program I had lost that 20kg, reduced my waist by 17cm, and my BMI went from 36 to 28.
“I no longer take any medications for diabetes, cholesterol or triglycerides and enjoy blood sugar levels within the healthy range.
“This program was the right key for me to start my motivation and encourage my new lifestyle that has lead me to a successful result on my health.”
Stanley Surch also attended the DHC program after suffering with diabetes since 1997.
He began treatment with Diabex tablets, and progressed over the years to using injectable insulin and high blood pressure medication.
He has lost more than 26kg and has now stopped all medications and continues to be under his doctor’s supervision while they monitor his sugar levels.
These are just two of the participants who share their success stories.
But this is not the end.
The DHC has now formed The Gympie Diabetes Support Group for former participants and welcomes new members.
Meetings are informal gatherings (not religious) which include a meal, further health education, food demonstrations and share time.
It is held on the first Sunday night of each month at 5pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Lady Mary Tce.
If you missed out on this year’s DHC, don’t worry – come along to the support group and plan to come to the next DHC.
Inquiries Gympie Diabetes Support Group co-ordinator Cathy Kerkvliet 0409 497 047.
Click here to visit the original published article in the Gympie Times
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