Recognizing diabetes as a community disease and education as the first step in effective self-management.

What is DEC NET?
The goal of DEC NET is to provide adults and their families and friends with empowering diabetes education aimed at effective self-management, with a special focus on serving the typically ‘underserviced’ population within East Toronto such as low income, various ethno-culturally specific groups, as well as individuals living with both diabetes and mental illness. This is facilitated through the creation and development of relevant, culturally sensitive diabetes services, education programs and enhanced community support.

South Riverdale Community Health Centre, East End Community Health Centre, and Toronto East General Hospital partnered to create the Diabetes Education Community Network of East Toronto (DEC NET) in 2002. 

DEC NET Services
Education is the first step.  Only through learning can you manage diabetes effectively.  DEC NET programs are desinged to teach you about:  healthy eating (meal planning, label reading etc.), physical activity, stress management, foot care, how to recognize risks, and how to prevent and delay long-term complications.  All DEC NET programs are taught by a dietitian and a diabetes nurse educator.

Education is for everyone and includes:

• Individual assessment to identify diabetes self-management and learning needs
• Individual appointments with diabetes nurse educators and registered dietitians
• Group sessions in various languages, including English, Chinese, Tamil, Urdu/Hindi, and Bengali
• Group programming for Mental Health Consumer/Survivors with diabetes
• Insulin Initiation education
• Ongoing support programs including community kitchens, diabetes support groups, and a community gardening program
• Several community locations
• Interpretation, TTC, and daycare available free of charge by request

Diabetes and Mental Illness
Diabetes and Mental Illness is created to address specific issues faced by this population and to bridge the gap between educational programming and community supports.  We are working with community mental health agencies to offer programs for their clients. 

Registration Process
To learn more and to register for any of our programs phone (416) 461-9042 between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.   Please fax a referral form to (416) 461-3489.

Preparation
Before attending a DEC NET appointment  it is useful to remember to bring the following:

• A complete list of all your medications
• A copy or your most recent blood work with HbA1c results

Family members and caregivers are welcome to attend appointments and classes.

Community Support Programs
We recognize that the delivery of an education program is only one step on the road to successful self-management.  Ongoing community support is also fundamental.  DEC NET has launched projects within the East Toronto community to attempt to address the support needs of people with diabetes and their families. 

Community Garden
The community garden is growing.  Combining fresh air, exercise and socializing, DEC NET Community Gardening is an enjoyable way for you to help manage your diabetes. The gardening group meets twice a month to learn about organic gardening, general wellness and healthy lifestyles. Gardeners share in the planning and maintenance of a rooftop community garden at South Riverdale Community Health Centre on Queen Street East at Carlaw. The gardening program runs from mid-April to October and new members are always welcome. For more information, please call (416) 461-9042.

Community Kitchen 
Cooking up support.  Community kitchens are an excellent way to meet people and to share recipes and dietary tips. Led by dietitians and a diabetes nurse educator, these get-togethers are held monthly at South Riverdale Community Centre and East End Community Health Centre. Participants cook affordable, delicious meals together, provide mutual support and learn more about the importance of nutrition in managing diabetes.  Community kitchens are conducted in English, Chinese and Urdu.

For English and Chinese Programs phone (416) 461-9042.

For the Urdu Program phone Naaheed Siddique at (416) 778-5805, ext. 204.

Diabetes Support Groups
DEC NET hosts a variety of self-help support groups that meet on a monthly basis. These groups focus on issues of importance to the effective self-management of your diabetes, including:

• coping with dietary changes
• the importance of physical activity
• quitting smoking
• getting access to important and accurate information
• general lifestyle changes

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