Table 4 Summary of content of meetings

• Introduction to each other

• What is peer support?

• Ground rules

• Discussion on course content (9 sessions)

• Video/DVD 15 mins

• Entitlements in diabetes

• Identifying a substitute peer supporter

• Contact details for the group

• Why is it so important?

• How you can reduce your risk of heart disease and other vascular complication

◦ Hypothetical individual and what they would advise them to do

Questions relating to heart disease including blood pressure and cholesterol medication and taking tablets

SESSION 3- BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

SESSION 4- HEALTHY EATING

• Information on hypo/hyperglycaemia

• Blood sugar testing

Questions on blood sugar levels

What to do when you are sick

Discussion of healthy 'eating plate'

• Laminated picture of the 'healthy plate'

Healthy eating quiz and discussion of answers

Questions on healthy eating in diabetes

SESSION 5- MEDICATION

SESSION 6- EXERCISE

• Control of type 2 diabetes

◦Diet

◦Tablets

◦Insulin

Questions regarding medication including side effects

• Importance of exercise

• Use of a pedometer

◦each person will be given a pedometer

Questions about exercise

Maybe arrange a walk in locality

SESSION 7- FOOT CARE

SESSION 8-EYE AND KIDNEY COMPLICATIONS

• Why foot care matters in diabetes

• Discussion on how to check feet

◦Laminated sheet to cover all aspects of foot care

Questions relating to the feet

Information on local chiropody services

• What happens to the eyes and kidneys in diabetes

• Importance of good blood pressure and blood sugar control in order to prevent complications

Questions relating to eye and kidney disease

SESSION 9- LIVING WITH DIABETES

This is intended to be a relatively open session in which the group can discuss any remaining concerns and consider whether they would like to continue to meet

Importance of follow up data collection