Diabetes Champion Handbook
Reaches parts of the community other services don’t reach
1
Log on to the Volunteer Resources section of our website to access expenses forms
and other materials
www.knowdiabetes.org.uk
© Triborough Public Health London 2013. This publication may not be reproduced
without permission from the publisher.
2
Contents
Introduction
5
The Diabetes Champion Project
What is a diabetes champion?
Our commitment
Your commitment
Health and safety of champions
Guidelines
If things go wrong
Complaints
Expenses
6
6
7
8
8
9
9
Undertaking the role of Diabetes Champion
Key Messages
What is Diabetes?
Symptoms of undiagnosed Diabetes
Risk Factors
Complications
Treating Diabetes
Prevalence
Healthy Lifestyles
Support and Health Checks
Outreach
Organising events – a stall, community event, faith group and
coffee morning
Appendices
Appendix 1:
Additional information
Type 1 diabetes summary
10
10
11
12
12
13
15
16
18
20
20
3
What is clinical / medical advice
Urgent health concerns or ‘red flag’ situations
Appendix 2: Other Resources
Diabetes Champion role description
Key qualities of a champion
Event Record Sheet
Diabetes Quiz
Food Pictures
Eat Well Plate
Caribbean Eat Well Plate
Eat Well Key Points
Body Map
GP letter
Involvement form
Diabetes Mentor Self Referral form
Myths and Beliefs
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22
23
24
25
26
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
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Introduction
Welcome to your role as a Diabetes Champion. We hope you will find this handbook, which
you helped to develop is helpful.
We have included some useful guidance, procedures, signposting information and relevant
forms. The procedures described here are new and may change as the project develops in
partnership with the champions and project partners, so the handbook should be used
together with what you learnt from your training to support you in providing a good quality
service.
Remember you can contact us if you have any questions and queries. Enjoy the experience
of championing. You will make a valuable difference.
Judith Ralphs
Peter Gilbert
Public Health Manager Senior Diabetes Volunteer
020 7641 4663
020 7736 0044
jralphs@westminster.gov.uk peterhgilbert@gmail.com
Howard Tingle
Champions Co-ordinator
07984 410 569
howardetingle@yahoo.co.uk
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Diabetes Champion project
What is the Diabetes champion project?
The Diabetes Champion Project developed from the Hammersmith and Fulham Diabetes
Service User Group, as a way local people could raise awareness of diabetes in their
communities and help reduce the growing number of people developing type 2 diabetes.
The Group recognised that people living with diabetes and their carers and family members
have valuable knowledge and experience, which enables them to work with those with type
2 diabetes in what is an innovative and peer led approach.
What is a diabetes champion?
Diabetes Champions are people who….
Are members of our local communities, who have experience of diabetes in some way.
They will raise awareness in the community about diabetes, the risk factors associated with
diabetes, how to reduce or delay the possibility of developing diabetes, and how to test for
diabetes. They will sign post those with diabetes to appropriate support and healthy
lifestyles to prevent complications. See page 22 for the role profile in full
Our commitment to you
The Champion Coordinator will
 Provide you with support to ensure you feel confident in your championing role and
are able to be a great champion!
 Provide you with any relevant information, updates and leaflets
 Run quarterly group supervision meetings
 Deal with any problems, concerns or complaints
 Prompt you to return activity sheets
 Ensure your expenses are paid
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Your commitment to us
You will
 Be a champion for at least 1year following your training
 Attend the group supervision meetings
 Undertake at least four events over 12 months
 Be reliable, well organised and trustworthy, e.g. working well with your fellow
champions, doing your part, turning up on time
 Complete the activity documents and other necessary records
 Contact the Champion Coordinator if you have any problems, concerns or complaints
 Follow procedures and good practice as outlined in this handbook
 Work within Westminster City policies of confidentiality, dignity and respect and
within the limits of your role (see Role Description on page 22). You will not give
clinical / medical advice about treatment or medication. This can only be given by a
trained medical professional (see page 21 for further information on clinical / medical
advice).
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Health and safety of champions
It is vital that both you and your fellow champions are safe at all times. Here are
some guidelines:
Guidelines
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Risk assessments - will have been carried out in most Community Centres already,
but you may need to do one if you are meeting in a non-health related venue for the
first time. Please contact the Champion Coordinator for advice on risk-assessments
if you are unsure.1
Where and how to meet - Ensure that you meet in a public space in which you feel
comfortable. Do not meet at people’s homes.
o Ensure you can contact other people in case of emergency e.g. by mobile
phone.
o Plan your seating arrangements so that you can see the door.
o Find out where the fire exits are in the place that you are meeting.
o If you feel unhappy about any aspect of your meeting, ring the Champion
Coordinator for advice.
You should not receive / give any money. Any gifts should be checked with the
Champion Coordinator first before acceptance.
Health and safety is everybody's responsibility. If you see something, report it or
ask the relevant person. Do not lift anything you find too heavy or awkward
If things go wrong…
The training you have received, ongoing supervision and the guidance in this handbook will
help us work together to make your role enjoyable and effective. However, if for any reason
you do not keep to these commitments e.g. by breaking confidentiality, being consistently
unreliable, acting inappropriately or behaving in a way not consistent with being a
champion, we will terminate your honorary contract. This will be done immediately without
notice, as outlined in your honorary contract because we have a duty to ensure we provide
members of the public with a safe, confidential and high quality service.
(A risk assessment is a systematic way of looking at a specific activity and deciding what
the possible problems, dangers and risks are that are involved in that activity in a specific
location and taking actions to reduce the risk.)
1
8
Complaints
If you are unhappy about any part of the champion project please call the Judith Ralphs
(Senior Public Health Officer) to talk about any concerns on. We will strive to sort matters
out quickly. Members of the public can also be given this number if they are unhappy with
any aspect of the project
Expenses
This is a volunteer role but it is important that you are not out of pocket and we will try to
pay expenses quickly (Expenses form Appendices page 25)
All payments will be paid directly into your bank account through BACS (Appendices page
26).
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Undertaking the role of diabetes champion
Key messages about diabetes to be given to participants at events
What is Diabetes?
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Carbohydrates (starchy and sugary foods) are converted to glucose by digestion which
fuels the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps the glucose
enter the cells where it is used as fuel for energy, so we can work and play It is vital for life
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high
because
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the body is unable to use insulin effectively,
or the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin
In some cases the pancreas cannot make any insulin (Type 1)
Type 2 Diabetes tends to develop after 40 but owing to changes in lifestyle is being seen in
younger people including teenagers. Asian, Arab and Afro-Caribbean Cultural groups are
most at risk from age 25 onwards.
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Symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes
 Tiredness
 Frequent urination
 Thirst
 Blurred vision
 Cuts not healing
 Genital thrush/itching

People may have one or more of these symptoms. Some people may report none of
them despite developing diabetes.
Risk Factors
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A close family member who has type 2 diabetes
Damage to the pancreas
High carbohydrate/calorie diet
Obesity
Apple shape; more than 31.5 cm waist in women 37cm in men
Lack of exercise
Stress
Other health conditions e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease
Developing diabetes during pregnancy
People over 40, or over 25 and African-Caribbean, Asian or from a minority ethnic
group
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are overweight
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Complications
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Neuropathy: damage to the nerves, erectile dysfunction
Cardio vascular disease: stroke, heart attacks, poor circulation
Kidney disease
Obesity from tablets
Slow wound healing, ulcers
Eye problems: retinopathy
Treating diabetes
Diabetes is serious because it can lead to life-threatening complications. Although diabetes
cannot be cured, the good news is it can be treated very successfully.
The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose, blood
pressure and cholesterol levels as near to normal as possible. This, together with a healthy
lifestyle, will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes,
kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.
Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss and
increased physical activity. Tablets and/or insulin may also be required to achieve normal
blood glucose levels. There are several kinds of tablets for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Some kinds help the pancreas to produce more insulin; other kinds help your body to make
better use of the insulin that your pancreas produces. Another type of tablet slows down the
speed at which the body absorbs glucose from the intestine.
Type 2 diabetes is progressive. If diabetes cannot be controlled through lifestyle changes
and tablets a doctor may recommend that a person takes insulin injections.
Type 1 diabetes, which is caused by an auto-immune reaction, cannot be prevented and is
treated either by insulin injections or by an insulin pump and a healthy diet, and regular
exercise is recommended. Insulin cannot be taken by mouth because it is destroyed by the
digestive juices in the stomach. People with this type of diabetes commonly take two to four
or more injections of insulin each day. If someone has Type 1 diabetes, insulin injections
are vital to keep them alive and they must have them every day.
For more detailed information on Diabetes see Appendices page 20
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Prevalence
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Summary of key points

Around 850,000 people in UK have Type 2 diabetes but are unaware of it.

Diabetes is serious. If left untreated it can lead to serious sometimes life-threatening
complications.

The good news is that early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk of
complications

People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are likely to develop long
term complications 5 years sooner.

People from the South Asian, Arab and Black African Caribbean communities are at
risk of developing diabetes from the age of 25

Four hundred people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes every day.

You can lead a full and healthy life with diabetes, but the key is getting diagnosed as
early as possible
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Being overweight is a risk factor of Type 2 diabetes

To reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, eat a healthy balanced diet, maintain a
healthy weight and be physically active

It is estimated that 10 per cent of the NHS budget is currently spent on diabetes.
Healthy Lifestyles
We know that those at risk of and living with diabetes will benefit from healthier lifestyles
Key messages
•
Think about changing an aspect of lifestyle
•
Eat more fruit and vegetables
•
Reduce saturated fats e.g. animal fats
•
Follow a high fibre diet
•
Think total carbohydrates not just sugar
•
Eat three meals a day with smaller portion sizes
•
Lower intake of salt and alcohol
•
Engage in physical activity: sport, dancing, walking, gardening, climbing stairs…
•
Take steps to improve emotional well being
•
Make links and connect in the Community
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Support and Health Checks
We know too that people will improve their health if they are diagnosed with diabetes as
early as possible
Key messages to give to communities and individuals;
•
Go and get tested if you become aware you are at risk of developing diabetes
•
GPs are able to check for diabetes and provide good management for the condition
•
For those with diabetes, ensure you have regular health checks and support at your
GP Practice, this includes;
•
Long term blood glucose and fats
•
Blood pressure
•
Eyes (Retinopathy screening)
•
Foot examination
•
Kidneys/urine tests
GPs should also offer the following support options

Weight measured and weight management support offered
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Smoking status recorded and support to stop smoking

Emotional & psychological support
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Referral to a local diabetes education course

Information and specialist care if you are planning a baby
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Opportunity to see a diabetes specialist
Champions can also signpost to the following relevant services
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Diabetes Education
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Diabetes Mentoring
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NHS Stop smoking services
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Health trainers
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Back on track psychological services
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Physical activity
•
Healthy eating advice
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Outreach work,
“Going boldly where none has gone before”
Champions in training identified the following activities needed to arrange events;
Organising events - a stall, community event, faith group or coffee morning
Keep a look out for local events and use existing networks. You may be e-mailed details by
the Champion coordinator
Here are some pointers and guidelines to help you prepare and facilitate your session
Coffee Morning
Preparation
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Come along as a Peer Role model
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Decide on a venue: community
centre? library?
Be tactful, use approach appropriate to audience:
e.g. a talk or more of a discussion if group is small

Help group to set targets
Agree time and place

Agree to come back another time to discuss
progress.
Make contact with local group;
own networks word of mouth
 Contact organiser and alter in
case s/he is not around.
 Agenda and timings: set up,
duration, clear up
 What resources are provided:
tables, stall, chairs etc
 Look at the community make
up, numbers expected,
position of stall
Stall
Delivery and Engagement
 Is there a cost? Negotiate as
a non profit health awareness
cause
 Prepare stand to look interesting and inviting
 Agree method of delivery, where are champs to
stand
 Brochures/leaflets/poster in appropriate
languages
 Ask engaging questions to passers-by e.g. what
do you know about diabetes? Have you any
questions about diabetes?
 Conversations can be brief or long, perhaps just a
leaflet given
 Agree: budget, methods of
transportation, number of
champions needed
 Engage with other stall holders to build up links
and contacts for other events
 Resources: water cups and
bin bags, tape measure
balloons, table cloth/cover,
goody bag, pens, note pads
 Pack away
 Transport materials
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 Identify a faith group and
place of worship
 Enlist help of
Pastor/Secretary/Priest/Imam
Faith Group
 Venue?
 Identify audience; whole
congregation or specific
group?
 Ice breaker
 Use open discussion e.g. anyone know what is
T1 or T”, what is diabetes? What are the common
symptoms? What are the complications? Can you
help yourself?
 Pictures e.g. food pictures in appendix or down
load some
 Agenda with timings. How
long will you talk for?
 Show DVD
 Facilities; e.g. microphone,
refreshments
 Accessing services, education info packs
 Sign posting preventative measures
 How to get there
 Introduction/Ice breakers
 What is diabetes?
 T2 Diabetes
Community Event
 Symptoms
 Target a group e.g. a Somali
or Nigerian cultural
organisation
 *Risk Factors see page 11 in this hand book
 Identify a venue
 Sign post them e.g. diabetic screening
 Make personal contact with
manager
 Lifestyle issues: increased activity, diet, handling
stress, healthy principles, lose weight
 Undertake risk assessment
 Tea break
 Management
 Test
 Use quizzes
 Community diabetes courses support
 Show DVD story of person with diabetes
Other helpful resources:
Diabetes UK website for a list of resources which can be ordered online e.g. leaflets, tape
measures; Diabetes UK 15 points of care, different language booklets
Also British Heart Foundation Website for resources.
See Volunteer Resources section of www.knowdiabetes.org.uk
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Appendices
Appendix 1: Additional Information
Type 1 diabetes summary (for reference)
Definition
People with Type 1 diabetes have insulin deficiency. Insulin is a hormone and, in Type 1
diabetes, the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin are attacked by antibodies leading
to loss of function. Insulin is necessary for life and people with Type 1 diabetes must inject
insulin daily to replace the lost hormone. Most people use an insulin pen for delivery,
although an increasing number are using an insulin pump attached to their bodies, which
usually provides tighter control.
Good Control
To achieve good glucose control people with Type 1 diabetes need to test their blood
glucose regularly by pricking their fingers, mainly before meals and before bed, need to
count the carbohydrate content of meals and snacks and take account of exercise. Sharps
bins are available on prescription for disposal of lancets, needles and used test strips.
Pregnancy
Type 1s planning to become pregnant need to achieve and maintain particularly tight
control and should discuss their plans with their doctor.
Hypoglycaemia (Hypos)
Like some people with Type 2 diabetes who also inject insulin, people with Type 1 diabetes
are prone to low blood sugars (hypoglycaemia), when they have too much circulating
insulin and not enough glucose in the bloodstream. (Some tablets for Type 2s, which
stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, particularly the sulphonylureas, may also
cause hypos.) They should always carry glucose tablets with them for emergencies. The
two best-known brands are Glucotabs which come in a plastic tube and Dextro-Energy
which comes in a paper wrapper. Excessive alcohol consumption may cause hypos up to
24 hours later. Over time people with Type 1 diabetes may become less aware of when
they are going low. Frequent injection into the same spot causes lumps under the skin
which interfere with the release of insulin and may cause hypoglycaemia. If called to a
serious hypo, the ambulance service will usually administer a glucagon injection, which
causes the liver to release stored glucose. Carers can obtain a glucagon kit from their GP
but need to be shown how to use it by a diabetes specialist nurse.
Ketones
If the blood glucose is high in Type 1 diabetes, cells become starved of glucose and switch
to fat metabolism causing Diabetic KetoAcidosis (DKA). If the blood glucose readings are
above 14 mmol/L, people with Type 1 diabetes should test their urine or blood for ketones.
Test strips for this are available on prescription.
20
People who use insulin must tell the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and their
insurance companies.
Education for Type 1s
Everyone with Type 1 diabetes should be offered a carbohydrate counting course to
improve self-management. These courses are offered in the community and by the
surrounding hospital diabetes clinics. Booklets can be purchased in book stores on
carbohydrate values and several apps are available for mobile phones.
You can also look up information on Type 1 diabetes on the Diabetes UK website.
What is clinical / medical advice?
The difference between what is and what is not clinical / medical advice depends on both
the answer and the question. If a complete answer to the question may be given without
interpretation of the condition, it is acceptable to answer the question e.g. ‘Is burning pain a
sign of neuropathy?’ If an interpretation of a medical condition is necessary for a complete
answer, the question is asking for some form of diagnosis or treatment advice, which is
clinical/medical advice e.g. ‘I have burning pain. Do you think it is neuropathy?’
Any questions about medicines, dose adjustment, alternative therapies or any question that
requires information about healthcare delivery should be referred back to the person’s GP.
Urgent health concerns or ‘red flag’ situations
If you are speaking to someone with diabetes who is feeling dizzy, hungry, sweaty,
trembling or finding it hard to concentrate or express themselves, they may be having a
‘hypo’ (hypoglycaemia) and you must get them to take some glucose tablets, or some fizzy
drinks (not diet drinks) or some sweets like jelly babies.
If you speak to someone with diabetes who has any of the following problems, you should
recommend that they go and see their GP as soon as possible:
 They are suffering from worsening mood, depression or anxiety
 They have a new foot problem or an existing foot problem getting worse,
 They have sudden and sustained raised blood glucose levels, particularly if they
have another illness or infection at the same time.
 They are experiencing any loss of vision or sudden or severe change in eyesight;
They should contact the Western Eye Hospital Casualty Department (details on page
20) or go direct to their nearest eye casualty department.
NB: This list is not comprehensive. If you are concerned, recommend to the person that
they see their GP as soon as possible.
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Appendix 2: Other Resources
Diabetes Champions Role Description
Main Aim: To raise awareness in the community about diabetes, the risk factors associated
with diabetes, how to reduce or delay the possibility of developing diabetes, and how to test
for diabetes. Sign post those with diabetes to appropriate support and healthy lifestyles to
prevent complications.
Role description:
1. To attend two days of training on diabetes and on how to give a talk to a group.
2. To set up and organise diabetes awareness meetings with community groups
including networking outreach with the support of the coordinator.
3. To give 4 - 6 talks a year on diabetes at community groups or at health fairs.
4. To act as a signposting person on diabetes for local community groups.
5. To report back to the coordinator after any group meeting on the numbers attending
and how the meeting went.
Person Specification:
1. Preferably living with diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, or a carer of someone with
diabetes or very interested in Diabetes.
2. Willing to be trained to deliver a standard presentation.
3. Able to talk to a small group of people about diabetes.
4. Links with people or groups in the community e.g. member of a community
organisation, linked to schools, member of an activity group.
5. Outreach and networking skills
6. Able to give a talk both in English, and in own community language; particularly
useful to have champions who can speak Somali, Arabic or Polish as well as
English.
7. Outgoing with good communication skills
8. Interested in preventing the steep rise in diabetes.
9. Interested in helping those with diabetes to access services and make changes in
lifestyle to prevent complications
10. Aware of the limits of their knowledge about diabetes and able to signpost someone
to their healthcare practitioner or to the Diabetes UK helpline if they have questions
the champion cannot answer or questions about medication.
11. Willing to signpost people in the community into testing services and healthcare
services.
12. Able to display the following personal qualities: trustworthy, professional, reliable,
confidential, caring and efficient.
13. Willing to attend at least four meetings a year of all diabetes champions.
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Key Qualities for a Diabetes Champion include
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Good listener
Open body language
Passionate
Inspirational
Approachable
Trust builder- able to connect with people
To speak the common language, be it mother tongue or just in a way your audience
understands
Reliable
Flexible
Able to influence
Confident
Organised
Able to work within role boundaries, know own limits
Sensitive to cultural needs
Maintain confidentiality
Net-working
Realistic
Honest
Non judgemental
Well informed about key messages regarding diabetes and available services
Of course you do not have to have them all; you will have your own personal strength
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Tri-Borough Diabetes Champion Event Record Sheet
Champion Name/s;
Please complete this form, so we have a record of your work after each event you do, either
as a paper copy or as an electronic version and return by the last Friday of every month by
email to Howard Tingle howardetingle@yahoo.co.uk
or by post to; Judith Ralphs, Senior Public Health Officer, Behaviour Change Team, Triborough Public
Health, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP
Q1
Date of event
Q2. Type of community interaction:
(Please Circle or X)
Q3 In which borough did the
interaction happen?

community meeting

health fairs/events

GP surgery

place of worship

coffee morning


other conversations
Hammersmith and
Fulham
Kensington and
Chelsea
Westminster
Other

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
Q4 In which postcode was this
meeting? Give full post code eg NW15JD
Q5 How many people were
engaged at the interaction?
Q6 Approximately what percentage of
attendees was BME?
Q7 Approximately what percentage of
attendees had diabetes?
Q8 At which cultural group was this
event aimed? Please be specific (i.e.
Jamaican rather than Caribbean, Tamil
rather than Indian)
Any other comments?
24
Diabetes Quiz
T= True F= False
The Liver produces insulin
T
F
No insulin is produced with type 2 Diabetes
T
F
Insulin allows the blood glucose to be used by body cells
T
F
Type 1 is more serious than type 2
T
F
Only Type 1s inject insulin, Type 2s take tablets
T
F
Diabetes increases you risk of heart attacks
T
F
Thirst and drowsiness are signs of un-diagnosed diabetes
T
F
Diabetes affects eyes
T
F
More people have type 2 diabetes
T
F
T
F
As it is incurable, there is no point visiting the doctor for check ups
T
F
T1 can be prevented
T
F
People with diabetes suffer higher levels of depression
T
F
Diabetes effects sexual function
T
F
T
F
The complications of diabetes can’t be reduced
King Henry VIII died of diabetes’ complications
Remember you can ask your audience to think of ways to make these meals healthier
meals as an interactive exercise; you can also add culturally specific pictures for your
events
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
You can ask participants to mark on this picture which parts are affected by diabetes as an
interactive exercise
36
Date:
Dear GP Practice
------------------------------------------------- Recently attended a community diabetes event
run by Triborough Public Health NHS Diabetes Champions. At the event it was
identified that your patient could be at risk of developing diabetes. It was
recommended that your patient have a check for diabetes. We hope you can offer
your patient an appointment.
If you have any questions please contact:
jralphs@westminster.gov.uk
Judith Ralphs
Senior Public Health Officer
Behaviour Change Team
Triborough Public Health
Direct Line 020 7641 4663
Yours sincerely,
Diabetes Champion
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Do you want to keep involved?
Are you interested in helping other people with diabetes? (Please circle)
Yes
No
Perhaps
We have several roles for volunteers e.g. Peer Educators, Champions, Champions and
Diabetes Service User Involvement.
If you are interested, please write your contact details below and we will get back to you
with more information:
Name:
Address:
Contact Phone Number:
Email:
Thank you for completing this form and please give to the Diabetes Champion.
38
Diabetes Mentor Project: Self-referral Form
Do you have diabetes or have you been told you have pre-diabetes? Would you like
some support in living with diabetes or preventing it, from someone who understands? If
so, the free Diabetes Mentor Service could help.
Diabetes mentors are local people living with diabetes or carers (or ex-carers) of people
with diabetes. Mentors are trained volunteers, not healthcare professionals, and will not
give clinical advice. Mentors can help by listening and working in partnership with you to
move you forward. They can provide information and signpost you to useful services.
The kinds of issues that can be covered might include:
 What is it like living with diabetes?
 I’ve just been diagnosed and am finding it difficult.
 What does healthy eating or healthy lifestyle mean?
 I find it really hard to keep to my diabetes care plan.
 What does taking exercise mean?
 Where do I go for information and help?
 I am feeling low or anxious about my diabetes and wish there was someone I could
talk to about how I feel.
Or you may have other issues you would like to discuss.
If you are interested contact Peter Gilbert, Senior Diabetes Volunteer, with your details:
email peterhgilbert@gmail.com Tel 020 7736 0044.
Or complete the slip below and post to:
Judith Ralphs
Behaviour Change Team
Triborough Public Health
Westminter City Hall
64 Victoria Street,
London SW1E 6QP
Direct Line 020 7641 4663
Or email the information to judith.ralphs@westminster.gcsx.gov.uk
_________________________________________________________________
I am interested in knowing more about seeing a diabetes mentor, please contact me.
Name:
.................................................................................................................................
Address: .................................................................................................................................
Phone number(s):
................................................................................................................
Email (if applicable): ................................................................................................................
Type of diabetes: .......................... GP Practice:
.............................................................
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Myths and Beliefs
T= True F=False
You can’t prevent it
T
F
It is good to be big; indicates prosperity
T
F
It’s in my family; there is nothing I can do about it
T
F
Our women are naturally round
T
F
Diabetes only affects old people
T
F
The type of diabetes you get as you get older is not so
serious
T
F
We have always had plenty of butter and salt in food and it
never did us any harm
T
F
People have been healthy on our food for years.
Why change now!
T
F
Lots of oil and sugar make food tasty. My family won’t eat
it without
T
F
If take-aways were really unhealthy, they wouldn’t allow
them
T
F
Western food must be better than food from back home
T
F
Ideas about healthy food change all the time, there is no
clear agreement
T
F
Diabetes is just too much sugar, I can eat anything else
T
F
Can you add any more you know of?
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www.knowdiabetes.org.uk/
2 October, 2013
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