Diabetes and depression are interrelated health issues and management of people with type 2 diabetes can be complicated by psychological and physical challenges. Effective management of these people may require that depression be addressed concurrently.

A significant number of people seen in our diabetes clinic have experienced a depression related event.  An activity group was initiated and implemented with the purpose of assisting them to increase their clinical knowledge with opportunities to participate in various activities, therefore enhancing their health self management skills.

In each group session the people were taught to be responsible for recording their progress in the activities.  Physical activities were coordinated and conducted by trained personnel that included chair exercises, gym, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.  The group enthusiastically took responsibility for planning their social outings.  

Because of the group dynamics and the multicultural background of the group, requesting the members to complete a written evaluation was not feasible and therefore a narrative evaluation was undertaken.  Their words collectively reflected their innermost feelings on what this initiative had meant to each of them. The words used were “I belong”, “I am not alone”, “ I am growing stronger, and I know more”, “I have a buddy”, “Someone to share and talk”,  “Caring and sharing”, “I want to come”, “I wish we don’t have to break at the end of the year”. 

Since initiation this group was maintained with a strong core group of twenty people but lost 5 members to death and personal commitments.  There were people joining almost every month.  It was evident that the group greatly benefited people who have diabetes with related depression complications and thereby their physical and psychological health management were enhanced.