Leah is 49 years old. She has had Type 2 Diabetes for ten years. Leah also has high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and a history of depression, panic attacks and social anxiety. Leah does not leave her home often.
Leah joined Hunter Primary Care's online Lifestyle Support Groups as part of the Care Coordination and Supplementary Services Program in April 2021, and remains active every Tuesday.
Questions Leah has asked during online Lifestyle Support Groups:
- Can I eat 2 squares of dark chocolate a day, I am really enjoying it?
- What should I use instead of rice?
- What do lentils taste like and how do I incorporate lentils?
- Can I still have maple syrup when I have Diabetes?
- My blood glucose level is 5.6, and I feel quite nauseas, is this a hypo?
- My good cholesterol is too high, what can I do?
- A major concern for me is high blood pressure and exercise, any advice?
- I am always bloated, what things might help?
- Is munching on plain popcorn ok?
- Is there a link between metformin and weight gain?
Outcomes Leah has reported during online group sessions:
- I now have what I want but portion controlled.
- I now understand weight loss plateau.
- I have noticed less bloating and more bowel movements with the recent change in lifestyle.
- My bowels open daily with no laxatives - this is new.
- I have purchased a mini cycle to motivate me to exercise more.
- My sister and I have been practicing going to the pool which is the first step considering our mental health.
- Weekly online sessions are preferable as "keeps you accountable".
- I am having more stir fry’s using spices and less salt, more veggies.
- I am using Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream.
- I am wearing a fit bit.
- I see that we're all in a similar boat.
- And it has been good with Covid.
- The group is supportive, Ally who I have never met congratulated me on my progress.
- Thank you to Ryan and Kate for helping me, I'm learning quite a lot... And thanks to Andrew as well, everyone there is wonderful.
- Leah has reported that she has been stressed however has taken actions to remove oneself from stressful situations.
Biometrics
- HbA1c has reduced from 6.8% to 6.4%
- Triglycerides reduced from 3.6 mmol/L to 1.9 mmol/L
- Weight reduced from 113 kg to 109.5 kg
Watch the video below to find out more, and to hear from Leah about her experience.
For more information regarding Hunter Primary Care's Lifestyle Support Groups, contact the CCSS team on (02) 4925 2259 or email CCSS@hunterprimarycare.com.au.