Diabetes exercise group celebrates first anniversary and award nomination

A support group that helps people with diabetes by holding regular exercise classes is not only celebrating its first year anniversary, but has also been revealed as a finalist in a national awards programme.

The fitness classes, designed to support adults with diabetes, were set up by a team of Diabetes Specialist Nurses at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, in collaboration with Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit, in September 2017. The aim was to tailor activities to help people to exercise safely and to become fitter, to increase vitality and improve confidence.

Clare Osborne, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, explains: “Through regular contact with our patients, it became clear that they were keen to become more active but felt their diabetes was a barrier. We therefore wanted to find a way to help.”

The circuits-based class was initially set up as a six-week pilot, but was deemed so successful that the team decided to keep it running.

“We’ve had brilliant feedback from participants,” adds Clare. “Attendees have reported improvements in glucose control, weight loss, a reduction in their use of medication, improvements in symptoms and overall improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing. The group are very supportive and encouraging of one another, even organising social events to support each other further.

The team recently held a birthday party to celebrate the group’s achievements.

Elaine, from Keyham in Plymouth, has been regularly coming to the exercise classes since they began. She said: “I’ve had type2 diabetes for 18 years, and in that time I found it really hard to commit to exercise. But these classes are different – you don’t have to wear special fitness clothing and we’re all in the same boat so-to-speak, so you feel really welcome. Being able to bring my partner along has also helped me to stick to it. Between us we’ve lost nearly six stone! My sugar levels are the best they’ve ever been but most importantly, I’ve learnt that exercise is all about feeling better.”

The initiative has now been announced as a finalist in the 2018 Quality in Care (QiC) Diabetes awards in the category of ‘Diabetes Education Programmes’. Now in its eight year, the QiC recognises, rewards and shares innovative practice which has demonstrated quality in diabetes management, education and services for people with diabetes and/or their families. The winners will be announced on 18 October at the Sanofi headquarters in Guildford.

Clare adds: “This project is a relatively new idea. We only know of one similar project in Scotland that only gets 6-8 people who attend each week, whereas we regularly get 15-20. It’s proving so popular that we are beginning to offer additional classes for people with diabetes across Plymouth.”

The sessions are currently held on Thursday evenings at Brickfields Sports Centre 18.00-19.00, with a member of the Diabetes Specialist Nursing Team on hand throughout. An additional weekly class is due to start on Wednesday 31 October at the Plymouth Life Centre 13.30-14.30. The classes are suitable for all abilities and family/friends are welcome to take part. The first session is free and £2.00 thereafter, or free for Everyone Active Members.

There is no need to book – you can simply turn up. For further information about the classes please call 01752 307008 or email nyrene.dudley@plymouth.gov.uk.

The Diabetes Specialist Team would also like to thank the Diabetes UK Plymouth group and Katherine Easton-Dearing for their support.