My experience with fear, anxiety and stigma with 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.

This is Chris's story about how he dealt with fear living with fear surrounding his diagnosis of Diabetes Type 1.

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.

Steve talks about two main insights he's gained: Fear is not a great long term motivator - he explains that this main work short term but is not useful long term. Looking after yourself with Diabetes is a long term journey and is best dealt with on a day to day basis. Lastly he talks about interacting and talking to others who have been there before you to help you cope emotionally.

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.

Steve talks openly about not feeling 'responsible' for his Type 1 Diabetes. He says it would be easy to question 'why has it happened to me' but he feels it's much better to 'play the hand you are dealt. He also talks about his optimism will all the developments and technology now available. His advice is that dwelling on the matter would not be the best way forward.