Date issued: 28 August 2018
Leisure World Colchester has successfully delivered its first ever 12-week Diabetes Support Programme, which is helping local people in the borough manage their condition more effectively.
The aim of the programme is to equip people with the skills they need to self-manage their condition more effectively, so they can minimise the risk of further health complications.
A lack of exercise, poor diet and being overweight are all risk factors for developing the disease and Leisure World’s Diabetes Support Programme is designed to give people with diabetes, or those at risk of developing the disease, the chance to discover more about their condition and how they can reduce their own individual risk factors and it achieves this in a relaxed, informal and interactive group environment.
Nine people completed the initial 12-week course, which means they progressed exercising periods from five minutes in late May to one-hour in early August. This group now form the initial cohort of Leisure World’s on-going Diabetes Circuit class that meets every Thursday at 2pm. To date this group has seen some very encouraging improvements to blood sugar levels and feelings of improved well-being due to exercising and improved diet.
Penny Gander, one of the participants who attended the programme, said: “I must admit that I’ve never enjoyed exercise as much as I do now I come here. I’m terribly lonely and lazy, but when I come to the group I feel inspired and feel the benefits of the exercise I’m doing.”
Cllr Nick Barlow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “According to Diabetes UK more than one in 17 people in the UK has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed). I’m really pleased that Leisure World’s first Diabetes Support Programme has been so successful and it’s wonderful to see that by making positive changes to their lifestyles, participants are seeing positive results already.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition to attend this programme. We aim to help people get to grips with their condition and support them to make the important lifestyle changes in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.”
The next 12-week Programme starts on Thursday 13 September, 2pm at Leisure World Colchester. £3.50 a session of £35 for the entire 12 weeks. Registration is open to Lifestyle members and non-members. Visit colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/LEAP for more information or call 01206 282045 to speak to a Personal Trainer.
The Diabetes Support Programme at Leisure World Colchester supports the Better Colchester Campaign to promote sport and health for Colchester residents.
Page last reviewed: 28 August 2018