February 11, 2022

My experiences of stigma around having 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.

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Dr Health-shared Official

· February 11, 2022

Shared Decision Making versus Dr Knows Best.

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.

Dr Health-shared Official

· February 17, 2022

Looking for information on Diabetes.

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.

Dr Health-shared Official

· February 17, 2022

My relationship with my Type 1 Diabetes.

Steve talks about how he feels about Type 1 Diabetes. He explains that if he was asked to change one thing about his life then it would not necessarily be his Diabetes. He also talks about how his perspective changed as he's progressed through life. His strategy is to take each day as it comes and plan to work towards his long term goals - which is to keep his blood sugars in range and avoid long term problems with Diabetes. He also talks about how there are days when he doest meet his blood sugar targets and hasn't figured out why - but that's part of life and should not take away from your long term path.

Dr Health-shared Official

· February 17, 2022

Useful insights for new diagnosis Type 1 Diabetics.

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.

Health-Shared Official

· March 7, 2022

What regular checks should people with Diabetes from the South Asian community do?

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.

Dr Health-shared Official

· February 17, 2022

Don't ignore your health - find support!

Steve talks about his strategy with his health. He says that most issues with Diabetes can be dealt with or treated if picked up. He explains that there are people who will be able to help if problems are picked up. That help or support can be from various groups including Doctors but also Peer group support and others.