Table 3 Content of peer support meetings
MEETING 1 | MEETING 2 |
INTRODUCTION | HEART AND VASCULAR DISEASE |
• Introduction to each other • What is peer support? • Ground rules • Discussion on course content (9 sessions) • Video/DVD 15 mins • Entitlements in diabetes • Identifying a substitute peer supporter • Contact details for the group | • Why is it so important? • How you can reduce your risk of heart disease and other vascular complication ○ Hypothetical individual and what they would advise them to do Questions relating to heart disease including blood pressure and cholesterol medication and taking tablets |
MEETING 3 | MEETING 4 |
BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS | HEALTHY EATING |
• Information on hypo/hyperglycaemia • Blood sugar testing Questions on blood sugar levels What to do when you are sick | Discussion of healthy 'eating plate' • Laminated picture of the 'healthy plate' Healthy eating quiz and discussion of answers Questions on healthy eating in diabetes |
MEETING 5 | MEETING 6 |
MEDICATION | EXERCISE |
• Control of type 2 diabetes ○ Diet ○ Tablets ○ Insulin Questions regarding medication including side effects | • Importance of exercise • Use of a pedometer ○ each person will be given a pedometer Questions about exercise Maybe arrange a walk in locality |
MEETING 7 | MEETING 8 |
FOOT CARE | EYE AND KIDNEY COMPLICATIONS |
• Why foot care matters in diabetes • Discussion on how to check feet ○ Laminated sheet to cover all aspects of foot care Questions relating to the feet Information on local chiropody services | • What happens to the eyes and kidneys in diabetes • Importance of good blood pressure and blood sugar control in order to prevent complications Questions relating to eye and kidney disease |
MEETING 9 | |
LIVING WITH DIABETES | |
This is intended to be a relatively open session in which the group can discuss any remaining concerns and consider whether they would like to continue to meet Importance of follow up data collection! |