Life after COVID-19

A guide to help you get back on track after COVID-19

As the COVID-19 restrictions ease and we all move to the “new normal”, many people living with diabetes are finding it difficult to process what all the changes mean to them.

The Diabetes SA health services team have pooled their wealth of knowledge in the field of diabetes care and management to present a booklet with the most common areas of concern. Please take the time to review this, and if there is anything we have missed, just reach out to us for assistance.

Download: Life after COVID-19 Guide

Life after COVID-19

This booklet covers the following topics:

  • Are people living with diabetes at risk of COVID-19?
  • Lifestyle management after COVID-19
  • Getting back to your GP and health care professionals
  • Getting out and about again
  • Making the transition back to normal
  • Returning to work
  • Returning to school
  • Review your sick day management plan
  • Staying connected and ensuring mental health support.

Healthy eating at Christmas

Stay healthy over the festive season by following these five steps

Staying healthy over the festive season can be easy, if you know how! Here are some very easy ways for you and your family to be healthier this Christmas!

Tip #1 Don’t overdo it

Try not to pile your plate up too high or go overboard on the ‘sometimes foods.’ It is Christmas so try to enjoy these foods in moderation and recognise that Christmas is one of those special occasions when we may enjoy small portions of these foods.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you miss out on enjoying delicious food in the company of your family and friends, but you should consider your portion sizes.

Try to fill half your plate with vegetables, one quarter with lean meat and the last quarter with a starchy vegetable like potato, sweet potato, corn or legumes or some grains like rice, pasta or quinoa.

Download: Healthy entertaining guide

Tip #2 Try making a healthy platter

When preparing a platter for your Christmas event, try one that is healthy!

Why not make a fruit platter in the shape of a Christmas tree or a star, you could try making a broccoli Christmas tree platter made out of vegetable sticks and served with homemade tzatziki dip, and if you’re feeling super creative, why not carve a watermelon into a shark (as they are currently in season). 

Tip #3 Modify your recipes

There are some simple ways to make Christmas time healthier. Here are some easy swaps for you to try:

  • Swap white bread for grainy bread
  • Swap full fat dairy for reduced fat dairy
  • Swap white flour for wholemeal flour
  • Swap white potato for sweet potato, sweet corn or legumes (i.e. baked beans)
  • Try leaving the skin on your vegetables rather than peeling them
  • Choose salt reduced variety of sauces, biscuits and margarine and try not to add salt to your cooking or to food at the table
  • Choose lean meats and trim any visible fat

Learn more: Modifying recipes

Download: How can you be more health smart?

Tip #4 Try to be active

We are so lucky in Australia to usually have beautiful weather over Christmas, so why not get outside and go for a walk after lunch or go for a stroll along the beach with your family and friends.

Play with your children/ grandchildren and their new toys, visit a park and test out their new Cricket set or play soccer in the backyard; children love it when you watch them play sport but they will love it even more if you join in!

Download: Physical activity fact sheet

Tip #5 Avoid too much alcohol

Christmas and alcohol in Australia are usually good friends but alcohol is high in energy and drinking large amounts regularly can lead to weight gain.

Here are some tips to help reduce your alcohol consumption this Christmas:

  • Dilute white wine or cider with mineral water or diet lemonade
  • Dilute beer with diet lemonade to make a shandy
  • Try drinking low strength beer like mid-strength or light beer
  • Refill your glass only when it is empty so you know how much you are drinking
  • Make mocktails with diet soft drinks
  • Make sure you drink lots of water between drinks.

Download: Alcohol fact sheet

But most important of all, try to have a wonderful, happy and safe Christmas!

World Diabetes Day 2020 – The Nurse and Diabetes

Some of the many ways we empower people to live well with diabetes.

World Diabetes Day 2020 – The Nurse and Diabetes

Each year on November 14, Diabetes SA join the global awareness campaign: World Diabetes Day (WDD). The date is significant as it marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who was responsible for the discovery of insulin, along with Charles Best in 1922. A real life changer for so many people.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) created WDD back in the 90’s, it now reaches over 1 billion people, drawing attention to the issues that impact over 416 million people who live with diabetes around the world. The campaign logo is a blue circle which signifies the unity of the diabetes community. Every year the campaign has a focus or theme, with the 2020 theme being The Nurse and Diabetes.

The Nurse and Diabetes aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes.

According to the IDF, nurses currently account for over half of the global health workforce. They do outstanding work to support people living with a wide range of health concerns. People who either live with diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition need their support too.

There remains a significant need for more education and funding to equip nurses around the world with the skills to support people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

#NursesMakeTheDifference

#WorldDiabetesDay

In Australia, nurses work across many areas where they will provide care to a person living with diabetes or at risk.

From the GP Practice to the Emergency Department, to the community setting, nurses play a key role in:

  • The recognition of diabetes to ensure prompt treatment.
  • Providing self-management education and psychological support for people living with diabetes with the aim of preventing complications.
  • Raising awareness of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and providing education and support to help prevent the condition.