History of the Diabetes Self-Help Group:

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The Diabetes Self-Help was set up by Dr Sonal Bhavsar to offer help and support to diabetic patients, both socially and emotionally. She decided to set up a self-help group after a personal gestational diagnosis with Diabetes in 2004 and a history of diabetes in the family. With it being one of the most common conditions, she wanted to help reduce the stress factors within the community in Leicester – this is why the group was formed.

After several attempts to set up the group, the Manager of the Belgrave Library Mary Pringle offered the group a meeting place within the library premises. The group meetings began, twice a month on Saturdays.

Over time, the group expanded from a small group (5 people), to about 30 people. As the interest within the group grew, the meetings were then held once a week. These meetings consisted of group discussions, including weekly talks from health specialists and other professionals such as: Nurses, General Practitioners, Solicitors and Meditation Healers.

At present, the number of registered members consists of approximately 100!

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Who can join

• If you are suffering from Diabetes Type 1 or Type 2

• If you are on a tablet or insulin

• If you are diagnosed with Borderline Diabetes

• If a family member carries Diabetes therefore, you are at high risk

• A carer of someone who is a Diabetic patient

• General public, who would like more information on Diabetes

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What we do

• The aim is to share our personal experiences on diet, exercise and lifestyle in relation to Diabetes.

• We invite health professionals, who attend our group meetings and offer advice, information and guidance on health and looking after yourself.

• We discuss various different areas of health in the group meetings every week, such as: Diet, Stress, Exercising, Self-management.

• We carry out activities, both indoor and outdoors, such as: local trips, picnics. Also, social activities, such as ‘Jewellery making’ and educational, such as: learning about health and well-being.

Where we meet