Young adults, football and tackling diabetes – a winning combination | Our news

We all know that maintaining a healthy diet is important for your health. And while this is the case for everyone, it’s particularly important for people with underlying health conditions like diabetes. 

One way that people with diabetes can help manager their condition and remain healthy is by preparing their own meals. But this can be a daunting task, particularly if you don’t know where to start, and if you’re a younger person with diabetes.  

That’s where the North East London (NEL) Diabetes Transformation Programme comes in. The programme aims to develop a holistic care pathway for young adults aged 16-25 with diabetes – from fitness to food. As part of their work, the programme funds a youth worker at Newham, Mohammed (Omar) Siddik, a key member of our young adult team.  It also supports a whole range of peer-support events, the content of which is decided in consultation with the young adults themselves.  

The latest event to run was an online, interactive cooking demonstration which took place last week. It aimed to build the young adult’s confidence in cooking as well as enhancing their ability to manage their diet themselves in a way that works with them and their condition.  

The session was supported by the West Ham United Foundation and open to everyone aged 16-25 who access diabetes services in the NEL area. Each of the 16 participants were sent a food hamper, courtesy of Zing events, containing the ingredients to cook two dishes – ravioli and papperdelle with tomato and pesto sauces. They were also given a little something extra from West Ham – a kitchen set including an apron, tea-towel and mitten.

The interactive event was hosted by chef Sim Gondalia, and our dietitian Joseph Cavell and featured a very special guest – West Ham United FC goalkeeper, David Martin.  

David, who as a professional footballer knows the importance of eating well, said:

“Eating the right things gives me the best chance to perform. With age, I’ve understood how important it is to have a healthy, balanced diet.  More importantly, for the rest of my life it will give me that chance to have a healthy life, something which is really important for people with diabetes. That’s why I was so happy to be part of an event that empowers these young adults to take responsibility for their own diet and lifestyle in a fun way.” 

He wasn’t the only one to enjoy the event – our young adults found it fun and beneficial.  

“It was a perfect session; I wish it lasted longer”, said Harry, who took part. “I really enjoyed it, learnt a lot and got to meet new faces too. It was a pleasure to cook alongside a professional football player! Something you don’t get to do on a normal day.” 

Naomi, another participant agrees:

“I Definitely enjoyed it. I feel like I learnt a lot and it was extremely beneficial for me now that I’m 24 and can’t always rely on my mum to cook for me.  My food tasted amazing.” 

Many young adults with diabetes have found cooking and eating healthily challenging this year due to isolation, difficulties with their mental health and not being able to find enjoyment and pleasure in cooking. “That’s why events like this are so important”, explains Joseph, our dietitian:

“It was an incredibly fun and important peer support activity during the pandemic and lockdowns, but it also taught these young adults a really important life skill. The inspiration from David and our online chef Sim has inspired this group of young adults to find the fun in the kitchen again, and make healthy cooking and eating an accessible home activity.” 

For more information about the event and future ones like it, check out the Newham Diabetes Champions Instagram page.