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Diabetes and Brain Health Program


Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program for Brain Fitness

Diabetes Self-Care
It is estimated that more than 95% of diabetes care is done by the person with diabetes. 

The Diabetes & Brain Health Program is a self-management program that provides support to help people manage their diabetes.  Our goal is to help people live well and prevent potential complications of diabetes.  In particular, we recognize that diabetes is a risk factor for decline in cognitive function (e.g., attention and memory) as well as dementia.  Consequently, the Diabetes & Brain Health Program places an emphasis on diabetes self-care for brain fitness; that is, strategies that may help maintain healthy brain function.

Diabetes & Brain Health Program
The Diabetes & Brain Health Program is a highly participative 8-week program.  Sessions are 2.5 hours in length and are designed to build success and confidence.  Sessions are facilitated by a dietitian, psychologist, and kinesiologist.

During the sessions, you will:

  • Learn about diabetes and brain fitness
  • Develop your own weekly healthy living action plans
  • Share your experiences and help each other solve problems you encounter in creating and carrying out your action plans
  • Participate in brief physical activity sessions

Topics covered include:

  1. Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration;
  2. Appropriate physical activity for maintaining and improving strength and endurance;
  3. Healthy eating;
  4. Appropriate use of medication; and 
  5. Working more effectively with family, friends, and health care providers. 

Who should enrol?

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or have had it for years, the Diabetes & Brain Health Program aims to help you live a healthier, happier life. Any adult with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can join.  Participants are encouraged to bring along a support person (family member or friend).

The program does not replace your current treatment plan but is intended to enhance your ability to carry out your self-care activities. The program will not conflict with your existing programs or treatment.  Your diabetes health care providers will be informed of your participation in the program.  In all cases, we will urge participants to continue their current programs.  We will not alter treatment.  If the content of the program conflicts with instructions you receive elsewhere, we will advise you to follow your physician's orders and discuss discrepancies with your physician.

Where and When?
The Diabetes & Brain Health Program will be held at:
The Joseph E. and Minnie Wagman Centre at Baycrest Centre
55 Ameer Avenue, North York, Ontario

The program is an eight week program and offered multiple times a year. 

Cost of the Program
There is no direct cost for participants. 
The Diabetes & Brain Health Program is funded by the Interprofessional Care/Education Fund.

Diabetes and Brain Health Research
We will also be conducting a study to examine the relationship between enhanced diabetes self-care and cognitive functioning (e.g., information processing, memory, attention).  However, participants in the self-management program are not required to participate in any research study.

For further Information and/or Registration call: 
416-785-2500 ext. 6228