Free Type 2 diabetes group programs now available

22 Jul 2008 | Bernie Goldie

People with Type 2 diabetes can access free group programs under Medicare at the University of Wollongong’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Centre (ESRC).

Accredited Practising Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist, Lucinda Walters, said that a simple referral from a patient’s GP meant that patients with Type 2 diabetes can now get access to ESRC’s group diabetes program.

The program includes an individual assessment and eight group-based sessions. All program costs are covered by Medicare for people with Type 2 diabetes and no gap fee is charged.

ESRC’s programs are designed to assist people with Type 2 diabetes take control of the management of their diabetes whether it be through exercise, diet, education or a combination all three areas.

The current group program is running each Friday morning and will run to 8 August 2008. New programs will begin after this date.

The programs are delivered by ESRC’s Accredited Exercise Physiologists (Katerina Zirogiannis/Lucinda Walters), Credentialled Diabetes Educator (Cheryl Nankivel) and/or Accredited Practising Dietitian (Lucinda Walters) including education and practical sessions.

Media please note: A high-resolution photo of a current group participant, Zlatka Velevska, is available upon request to Bernie Goldie at the UOW Media Unit via bgoldie@uow.edu.au

For further information contact Ms Lucinda Walters on (02) 4221 3057.