Yoga, balanced diet and regular check-ups helps me control my diabetes says Saraswati of Koronivia in Nausori.

The 56-year-old is an active member of the Koronivia Diabetic Peer Group.

“I joined this group last June because I wanted to control diabetes and not let it control my life,” Ms Saraswati said.

She said it was necessary for people to have a proper diet, manage their stress levels and stay in touch with the medical team.

“At times it can be difficult to control the sugar levels and that is why we should have the knowledge,” she said.

Ms Saraswati said the group has helped broaden her knowledge on diabetes and how it could be controlled.

“I’m now not worried much about my diabetes because I know it’s under control and I want to instill that same hope in other people with diabetes.”

She said she was thankful for the positive changes diabetes had brought to her life and now she is living a healthy life.

Group leader Satish Kumar said he formed the group in June last year because of the increasing number of people getting amputations at hospitals.

“Our group has been very successful; We have about 30 members and only 12 are diabetics, the rest are eager to learn and take proactive measures,” Mr Kumar said.

He said they had yoga three times a week, one hour of volleyball and gardening exercises.

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