TYPE 2 DIABETES CARE

Cooking Classes for Patient with Type 2 Diabetes

Cooking Classes for Patient with Type 2 Diabetes

What is my Intervention?

The management of a chronic illness requires not only the input of medical advice and treatment from primary care facilities, but also a collaborative approach which involves the patient in learning how to manage the symptoms and course of the illness (Leventhal, Leventhal and Breland 2011, 153) through a process of social changes. This involves helping the patient to realise not only how to avoid the courses of action which are likely to exacerbate or worsen the illness and its symptoms, but also to support the patient in coming to learn now behaviours and actions.

Why was this chosen?

Adopting a healthier approach to dealing with the illness will not only provide the patient with the ability to take on behaviours and actions which will mitigate and alleviate symptoms of the illness, but may also help to encourage the patient to feel a greater sense of autonomy and control over the chronic illness (Gallant, Spitze and Grove 2010, 21). Helping to build a sense of autonomy and power over the illness in a patient has been shown to have a positive impact on the outcome of that illness and therefore is of medical importance, as well as being socially important for the patient (Rosland, Heisler and Piette 2012, 221). This paper will build upon the work presented in the first case study on Type II Diabetes and will look at a possible intervention which will support the healthy response of patients who are living with Type II Diabetes (Naidoo and Wills 2009, 67).

Where was the intervention undertaken?

There was a centre in the city where the participants were gathered. The centre was equipped with cooking facilities in order to teach the respondents about how to cook, and what are the things that they should use in their daily life. The centre also had a drawing and instruction board where the people were told about the different ways in which they could develop a plan to reduce diabetes.

What is the target audience?

The Get Cooking programme was chosen with the aim to provide knowledge and skills for healthy cooking by developing knowledge about healthy food choices and how to prepare foods, with a special emphasis on Type 2 Diabetes management. The participants were not only given the information, but were also actively encouraged to change their eating habits to develop healthier ones, with a view to the long term. The intervention lasted for ten weeks, always involving a two hour morning class on a Saturday and was staffed by a nutritionist and a chef, as well as facilitators who were on hand to promote health and discuss diabetes specific issues. There were between 20 and 30 participants in any given class, and the people were between the ages of 40-65 years and had diabetes.

Why was this group chosen?

The reason for choosing the group was that people above the age of ...