New Stamford diabetes group is set for first meeting

A Stamford man on a mission to set-up a support group for people living with diabetes is one stop closer to his goal after being inundated with requests by fellow sufferers.

Harrish Bisnauthsing, 74, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 26 years ago, and was keen to help others, regardless of whether they are Type 1, Type 2 or pre-diabetic.

Since his article was published in the Mercury, Harrish has heard from 15 other sufferers, all keen to learn how to best manage and live with the condition.

He said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kind words of support and the interest the original article generated.

“People have stopped me in the street to talk about diabetes, and this is crucial for raising awareness and getting the message out there. Yes, diabetes is a progressive disease, and yes it will get worse, but there is so much people can do to help themselves.

“For every 10 people with Type 2 diabetes there is one with Type 1, but this group is going to be all inclusive, and is for anyone with diabetes, including pre-diabetic, and their families.

“We will be covering all sorts of topics during the meetings, including emotional health, demonstrations about food and diet, nutrition, exercise and how to manage and control the condition.

“We want to cover all aspects of the condition and show just how much people can do to help themselves, especially when it comes to food, nutrition and exercise.

“As well as recipes, we will be showing just how cheap it is to eat healthily using fresh ingredients. It’s really not expensive, it’s just about educating people and showing them the alternatives.”

Harrish has also teamed up with research specialists from Diabetes UK and they will be present at future meetings to talk about the research the charity is carrying out.

Harrish is urging everyone over the age of 50 to contact their doctor and get themselves checked for diabetes.

He said: “I’ve been living with it for 26 years now and it’s a really manageable disease if you commit to eating sensibly and healthily.

“It doesn’t have to take over and control your life. This new group will show that it’s perfectly manageable and it doesn’t have to have a detrimental effect on your life.”

The first meeting will take place at the St George’s Community Room, in St Mary’s Street, Stamford, on June 25 between 2pm and 4pm., but Harrish is looking at expanding that further and is also keen to run an evening group to assist those who work during the day.

He said: “If the interest is there, then we can also run evening group. It’s important we reach out to as many people as possible.”