HealthInfo Canterbury
Diabetes group education classes
Akoranga ā-rōpū mō te mātauranga mate huka
These free group education classes are available for people who:
- have newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
- have type 2 diabetes and are on insulin or starting on insulin
- are interested in advancing their diabetes self-management, including carbohydrate counting for mealtimes
- use an insulin pump or are on the insulin pump start programme.
Talk to your general practice team for further information about the classes and to ask for a referral.
Introduction to and management of type 2 diabetes
This course is for anyone with type 2 diabetes who would like to learn more about self-management. You're welcome to bring along whānau (family) members.
It covers how type 2 diabetes changes the way your body works and how to manage it. It includes complications, exercise, foot care, healthy eating basics (with a focus on carbohydrate foods and how to eat to manage blood glucose levels), label reading, myth busting, use of diabetes food products, takeaways and eating out, shopping tips and goal‑setting.
A diabetes nurse specialist and a diabetes dietitian present this course.
Type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy, self-management classes
This course is for people with type 2 diabetes who've recently started or who are already on insulin (any type). You'll learn how to manage your diabetes in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. You're welcome to bring your partner.
It covers how type 2 diabetes changes the way your body works, hypoglycaemia, insulin action and adjustment, managing sick days, travel, carbohydrate foods and distribution, healthy eating for management of diabetes, types of fats, eating out, alcohol and exercise.
A diabetes nurse specialist and a diabetes dietitian present this course.
The advance course
This course is for people with type 1 diabetes on basal and bolus insulin (long acting and fast acting) who are interested in changing the way they manage their diabetes. You're welcome to bring your partner.
It covers new advances in diabetes management, insulin adjustment using the insulin sensitivity factor, sick day management, complications prevention, hypoglycaemic awareness and carbohydrate counting (including individualised carbohydrate to insulin ratios). It also covers exercise, alcohol and eating out.
A diabetes physician, a diabetes nurse specialist and a diabetes dietitian present this course. It's held at the Diabetes Centre, Ground floor, Christchurch Outpatients building, 2 Oxford Terrace.
There are usually three to four courses per year with one or two courses for young adults aged 15 to 30. Advance courses are held over four evenings with a two-hour session each evening.
The Diabetes Centre will contact you and tell you when the next course is being held once they've accepted your referral.
There are also one‑session refresher courses for adults and young adults.
Insulin pump start programme
This programme is for people with type 1 diabetes who are starting insulin pump therapy and are working with a multidisciplinary team at the Diabetes Centre. It's a comprehensive and intensive programme covering how to use a pump, and diabetes management while on a pump.
It covers insulin on board (unused insulin), blood glucose level targets, fine tuning fibre and glycaemic index, sick day management, exercise, advanced pump features, hypoglycaemic management, correction factors, carbohydrate counting, back to multi daily injections, hospital guide and emergency kit suggestions.
A diabetes nurse specialist, a diabetes dietitian and the insulin pump representative present this course.
Phone the Diabetes Centre on (03) 364‑0860 for details.
Insulin pump refresher course
This course is for people with type 1 diabetes who are already using an insulin pump.
It revisits previous insulin pump education and diabetes management. It teaches people about the pump's advanced features to help them to get the most from their insulin delivery device.
It covers information on temporary basal, boluses, basal rate testing, downloading of the pump, travel, time zone changes and coming off the pump for different reasons. It also provides a medical procedures refresher, including when to disconnect, sites and troubleshooting.
The insulin pump representative, a diabetes nurse specialist and a diabetes dietitian present this course.
Phone the Diabetes Centre on (03) 364‑0860 for details.
On the next page: Diabetes Centre psychological services
Written by Diabetes Centre, Christchurch Hospital. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDIA-21832
