Don't ignore your health - find support!

Steve talks about where he would look for information on Diabtes. As he began to take ownership of his Diabetes his first port of call was him mother! This was very fortunate as she has a background in healthcare. As he became an adult, he came across various programmes that he would be advised to. Initially he felt some resistance to these as they felt like being lectured to by people without Diabetes. Later on a course he actually did became quite empowering. This lead to re-engaging with the health service generally and stimulated more web based research also into specific topics he wanted to learn more about.

Steve shares his advice on being on the front foot with your health issues. He shares a personal story on a particular health issue he had and how he dealt with it. He advocates engaging with lots of people - healthcare providers and also others who've been there before you. He talks about not getting overwhelmed by fear or panic and that you will find help if you look for it - as he did.

Daniel talks passionately about how his relationship with his healthcare provide team put him very much in the driving seat of his care. He made it clear that he wanted to know everything and be fully involved in making decision with regards to his health. This worked very well for him. He also acknowledges that this may not be the best situation for everyone. Daniel also takes pains to stress that he knows he's not an Endocrinologist and that he always discusses his thoughts and ideas with his healthcare providers in order to get a better understanding of the science involved.

Abdul Rais explains that people from a South Asian background have a much higher chance of developing Diabetes compared to the rest of the population. He talks about having blood glucose checks done and shares that these are often freely available. He also talks about the sorts of symptoms to look out for which might suggest you may have Diabetes.

Chris talks movingly about Stigma he has experienced around having Type 1 Diabtes as a young person and later. He tells a story from school where the schools arrangements for him to get his lunch first in the school hall led to painful comments from his class fellows. He also talks about more recent disapproving comments or impressions from people if he's seen to be drinking a can of Coke when his blood sugar is low. Chris explains that knowledge and awareness will improve these situations and draws parallels with his experiences of his parents moving from Wales into London and being 'other' to the norm.

Jayne Robbie, Senior Lecturer in Diabetes Care, Specialist Podiatrist talks about the process of doing a foot check for her patients with Diabetes. She talks about a visual check of a number of factors. She stresses how it's important to compare to what is normal for your feet personally. She also talks about checking shoe fitting. Jayne also asks people what sorts of treatments they are doing for themselves and check those for safety. She also talks about cultural issues in peoples health beliefs and explains what is safe and what may not be. Then she goes on to physical checks and explain tests which are done as well as asking you about the feeling in the feet.