Want to put some pep in your diabetes support group? Northampton’s type II diabetes support group did. With the help of a diabetes educator, Cooperative Extension, and a small grant, they transformed their old diabetes management program into fun, participant oriented, support group.

In addition to learning about self-care and living with type II diabetes, the group decides together what activities they want to do, what guest speakers they would like to hear, and what classes they would like to participate in. The support group is held once a month throughout the year with about 10-15 members at each meeting. These small groups make it easier and more comfortable for people to share stories, challenges, and tips they have about living with type II diabetes.

Support group meetings have included heart health programs, diabetes bingo, healthy pot-lucks around the holidays, physical activity exercises, cooking demonstrations, guest speakers, and skin and foot care workshops. At the end of the year, participants are given an evaluation to provide feedback for future support group meetings.

Managing and learning to live with a chronic disease can be overwhelming and making decisions can sometimes feel like they’re out of your control. The Northampton diabetes support group gives that control back to its participants in an accepting, encouraging environment.