Table 3.

Content of peer support meetings

MEETING 1	MEETING 2
INTRODUCTION	HEART AND VASCULAR DISEASE
• 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
MEETING 3	MEETING 4
BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS	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
MEETING 5	MEETING 6
MEDICATION	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
MEETING 7	MEETING 8
FOOT CARE	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
MEETING 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!