World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day, recognised internationally on 14 November, is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions affecting Australians and of the 4 million people who live with disability, 11% have diabetes (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
To better support our community, Yooralla has developed and introduced an Enhanced Healthy Eating program to all residential customers, families and employees.
This program is particularly important for customers who also have diabetes, with Diabetes Australia recommending healthy eating as an important factor in diabetes management.
Yooralla’s healthy eating program includes healthy eating education and menu-planning whilst maintaining individualised choice and control.
Paula Burns is the Service Manager at a Yooralla residential site where the program has run for almost three years, with customers involved in weekly menu planning and online shopping.
“When the program was first started, we collected daily feedback from the customers on every meal to see whether they liked it or not, with the menu adjusted accordingly,” said Paula.
“Now we have monthly and quarterly meetings with the customers to discuss the menu to see what could be added or changed.”
The program has positively impacted the lives of all residents, particularly one customer who is both, a person with disability and a diabetic.
“As a result of the Enhanced Healthy Eating program the customer managed to lose 15kgs over a 12-month period and consequently reduce the amount of diabetic medication required,” said Paula.
“The other customers have been able to lose and maintain their weight loss so that they are not at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”
The program has been a success with our customers, their families and staff.
Read more about World Diabetes Day.