The Eersterust Community Health Centre (CHC) became a hub of interaction and raising awareness in the community as it hosted the "How to Master Diabetes" intervention session on August 16, 2023. This event was organised by final-year Dietetics students (Tayyibah Elimdeen,Katarina Makgato and Mihlali Mahlaka) with the aim of engaging with community members in shedding light on the diagnosis, possible complications,  management and prevention strategies,  associated with diabetes through proper nutrition and exercise.

The event featured a diverse line-up of speakers and educators who worked together to create a comprehensive learning experience for participants led by the facility dietitian (Bongiwe Nkondo). Julia Mosidi, a dedicated health promoter, set the tone by highlighting her role in the community and the CHC of raising awareness about diabetes as a non-communicable disease.

Dietetics students engaing the community in vital discions on diabetes management 

Following  Mosidi's insightful talk, the student dietitians took center stage. They conducted an educational session that clarified the process of diabetes diagnosis. They also expanded on the impact and the role of various foods on blood glucose control, providing attendees with valuable information to aid in making informed dietary choices.

Sr. Gracia Schubart, a nurse at Eersterust CHC, emphasised the critical role of medication use and proper meal timing in managing diabetes effectively.

The event continued with a meal planning demonstration session led by the student dietitians. This entailed a demonstration of practical approaches to planning meals that are suitable for diabetic patients.  Samuel Ramatladi , the Occupational Therapist (OT) at Eersterust CHC, conducted an engaging exercise session, highlighting simple yet effective exercises that can help control blood glucose levels.

The programme concluded on a practical note with the student dietitians guiding participants on shopping ideas for diabetic-friendly diets at a local supermarket. They illustrated how a family of four members could budget for and select suitable food items to complement their diabetic management plan.

The "How to Master Diabetes" event was a collaborative effort that brought together various stakeholders, including final-year Dietetics students, the Eersterust CHC staff and community members.

The Department of Human Nutrition’s HOD Dr Heather Legodi, lecturer Phumudzo Tshiambara and part-time lecturers Marion Beeforth and Shaszia Alli deemed the event a resounding success, as students engaged with participants is sharing valuable insights into meal planning for diabetic patients. They left with newfound knowledge about the affordability and ease of meal planning, empowering them to better manage their health in the face of diabetes.

They expressed their gratitude for the collaborative learning experience and the positive impact the event had on both participants and presenters.