Monday, 31 March 2025

Diabetes Educator Visit For Sale Men’s Shed

Sale Men’s Shed is continuing with its health education programs following the successful session last year on Prostate cancer. Registered Nurse Fenella (Fen) Purdon, Diabetes Educator Central Gippsland Health was invited to the shed on Friday 14th February by one of our members Matthew Ridgeway.

Several members of the men’s shed have type 2 diabetes and Fen explained simply the causes of diabetes and the role of insulin in the body’s cells. She explained the importance of diet and exercise and how those people at risk need to just make small changes in their habits because we are used to poor diet and reduced exercise. It is important to become well informed and get the views of other educators and make the necessary changes that suit us.

Excessive sugar is usually consumed through liquids more than food. Fen stated that sugar free drinks are better from a diabetes educator’s point of view instead of drinks like coke and fruit juices which are concentrated sugar, but also to be considered is the health concerns by some of the effects of artificial sweeteners and sugar replacement products.

Members were happy with the visit which included simple explanations about diabetes and its effects.

*Photo: L to R Alan Huckell (Shed Member), Registered Nurse Fen Purdon (Diabetes Educator), Phil Armstrong (Shed Member)