Tatiara locals registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) were invited to learn more about diabetes in a seminar hosted by Diabetes SA held recently.
Entitled Monitoring, Meals and Mindfulness, the session was held at the Bordertown Civic Centre on Wednesday, November 17.
People with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes and their carers were able to attend the event.
Bordertown Pharmacy assistant and Type 1 diabetic Nicola Shillabeer said it was great to have a seminar such as this held in Bordertown.
"You don't see much of it out here," she said.
"Access (to information) is restricted, especially for the newly diagnosed.
"It's good to see so many turn up."
As the name suggested, the seminar covered three aspects of diabetes care - glucose monitoring, meal ideas and planning, and mental health.
Through the afternoon Diabetes SA dietitian Laura Keen and diabetes educator Jane Adams spoke about healthy food swaps and mindfulness.
It was explained by Mrs Keen that swapping ingredients in meals and making simple changes could have a huge effect on sugar levels.
"Access is restricted, especially for the newly diagnosed (in the region)
Mrs Adams took the group through breathing exercises and spoke about the importance of having support.
The seminar was conversational and the crowd encouraged to ask questions and tell stories about their experience with diabetes.
Attendees spoke of their frustration of having little access to diabetes care on the Limestone Coast, particularly in the Upper South East.
Some even shared that they have been stuck on waiting lists anywhere from six months to one year to see dietitians and diabetes specialists.
While they shared their frustrations, they were also pleased the seminar was held, giving them the chance to refresh their knowledge.
Everyone was provided with afternoon tea and and a diabetes information pack.
Diabetes SA and the NDSS travels to reach country communities that are otherwise not able to access the services they provide.