Nova Scotians living with diabetes can access free programs to support their health journey

Living with diabetes often means making daily decisions about food, physical activity, stress management and overall health and wellness. Medical care is important, but education and lifestyle support can help people build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to support their health.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, check out these free programs available for Nova Scotians living with diabetes or prediabetes, or those who just want to learn more, offered virtually by HealthyNS.

"Managing diabetes doesn't happen during a single appointment," says Kristin Currie, manager, Integrated Chronic Disease Management and Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia. "The small choices people make every day can have a lasting impact on their health."

Support for People with Prediabetes

For individuals who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or are concerned about their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, the three-week Prediabetes program offers information and strategies to help participants understand what it means when your blood sugars are above the normal range. Learn how lifestyle choices can help you make positive changes in your health.

Building Healthy Habits

Lifestyle changes are often most successful when they begin with small, manageable steps. Programs such as Ideas Into Action: Small Steps, Big Success! focus on setting realistic goals and creating a personal plan that fits your life. For people living with diabetes, these skills can help create sustainable routines that support long-term health.

Realistic Nutrition Education

Healthy eating plays a central role in diabetes management, but planning meals and stretching a food budget can be challenging. Programs such as the Meal Planning Workshop and Making the Most of Your Food Dollar provide practical information on meal preparation, grocery shopping and creating nutritious meals while managing costs.

Managing Stress as Part of Diabetes Care

Stress can impact your overall health and may affect how people manage chronic conditions. HealthyNS offers Take Charge of Your Stress - 1 Week Program and Take Charge of Your Stress - 4 Week Program that help participants better understand stress and develop skills to manage it effectively.

Movement for Everyone

Regular physical activity can support diabetes management. For those who are unsure where to begin, HealthyNS offers beginner-friendly programs such as Intro to Cardio, Beginner's Guide to Strengthening - 1 Week Program and Beginner's Guide to Strengthening - 2 Week Lunchtime Series. These programs are designed to help participants learn techniques and discover ways to safely incorporate movement into their routines.

Looking Beyond the Number on the Scale

Weight is often discussed in relation to diabetes, but health is influenced by many factors beyond a person's weight alone. For people living with diabetes, focusing only on the number on the scale can sometimes overlook the broader picture of health. HealthyNS offers programs that encourage participants to explore a more holistic approach to weight, such as Rethinking Weight: Why Simple Advice Misses the Bigger Picture and Beyond Weight - 11 Week Program.

Help Reaching Your Goals

Many people know what changes they'd like to make but aren't sure where to start. HealthyNS offers one-on-one support through both Health Goal Coaching and Physical Activity Counselling.

Health Goal Coaching helps participants identify meaningful health goals and develop practical action plans that fit their daily lives.

Physical Activity Counselling provides individualized guidance for people looking to become more active in ways that are safe, realistic and enjoyable.

No two diabetes journeys are the same. HealthyNS programs offer a variety of options so that Nova Scotians can find the support that's right for them. Learn more about HealthyNS and find the program for you.