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DESMOND Self management programme

R

retrogamer

Well-Known Member
Messages
101
Location
UK
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Most things that's good for me
I received a letter a couple of weeks ago inviting me to this self management course. They are offering me the online "MyDESMOND" course.

I've read a few threads on the forum with mixed reactions to the course. I'm not sure if I feel the need for it myself if I can get basically the same advice on here.

Are there any significant advantages of taking the course?

If there are no major benefits other than to inform me about healthy eating and exercise then I really don't see the point, I am already making progress with losing weight just by cutting out the carbs and going for regular walks. (Although this has stalled a little with the change in weather!!)

Should I call them?
 
Entirely your choice, When I went on one 10+ years ago they were still insisting on the NICE guidelines of carbs with every meal, but there were a few useful bits, If you've got the time attend, but just be prepared to smile, nod and ignore a lot of the advice if you're already following a low(er) carb WOE
 
I've got the time but not sure if it's for me.

I've gone ultra low carb for a brief period, partly because of my diagnosis and partly to help with weight loss. I feel if they start suggesting that some carbs are fine and I should be eating them, I'll be tempted to go back to my old ways of "carbs with everything"
So far I've eliminated bread, pasta and all potato products from my diet. I don't want to be tempted back.

It's bad enough when I see people on TV eating a sandwich or some toast!
 
So don't take the course!
If you are managing fine, then the risk of upsetting that is too high.
Even recently there have still been some people complaining that Desmond was promoting EatWell - though that was live course and varies depending upon the individuals teaching it.
 
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In Scotland its called Control it and is broken into sections eating/exercising/foot care etc. The eating part very much was "eatwell" and I found myself tuning out a bit in the food section. There was a bit of a nod to "lower" carb but more along the lines of "two potatoes instead of three" Someone(not me) asked about keto and the response was "it can make you ill" "there is no guarantee you are getting things like fibre" so I was brave and said" I'm healthier than ever on a very low carb diet and I understand the concept of keto flu..I do consider things like fibre and eat nuts and avocado. I'm losing weight and believe my blood glucose is coming down. Is there any medical reason I can't do it long term? Her only real response to that somewhat direct question was "We don't have any research on long term effects of keto so we don't recommend it"
That said when they did the foot care section they suggested using a mirror to keep an eye on the soles of your feet and I ( as someone whose knees don't bend as much as they should)I thought that was a brilliant idea. So rather than suggesting you skip it I would read a magazine at the same time and just listen out for useful bits. They don't make you turn your camera on.
 
I haven't been on the course, I was diagnosed during covid when the course was suspended. Your experience is exactly how I imagined it would be. Re having a mirror for your feet, another trick is to use the camera on the selfie setting to view your feet anything suspicious take a pic and blow it up.
 
I'd go if I was offered, but I never was offered any course. I am not you, and whereas dud advice prods my "stubborn" button, if you think you'd be tempted to go back to the wrong diet because other people were saying it was fine, best not to give yourself that stress. You know yourself better than anyone, and you need to take on this life challenge with everything in your favour.

Why would I go? There are often useful little bits of info even on the worst course. One of the most dreadful seminars I ever attended contained one absolute jewel of information, which I used over and over in one of my professional spheres.
 
If you still have reservations about enrolling on the course ..it may be a nice idea to let the DESMOND Coordination Team know asap ..as ✻another patient✻ may be able to take your place ..they will need time to contact them.
 
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