My experiences with Type 1 diabetes.

Daniel talks about his journey with Type 1 Diabetes. He developed Diabetes as a post graduate university student. He shares how his first symptoms weren't picked up but eventually become quite unwell and was then diagnosed this point. When he was diagnosed he was started on tablets but glucose control was not good. He describes some fear around being started on Insulin but the Insulin pens helped. Daniel was grateful to the amount of detail he was given to do with his Diabetes. Particularly, he engaged very strongly with detail over the long term benefits of good blood glucose control.

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.

Steve talks about how Type 1 Diabetes affects his life. Very interesting Diabetes may not be the one thing he would change about his life given the opportunity. He talks about working within boundaries in the short term which will keep long term goals on track. Steve's main message is to treat Diabetes as part of a routine and a lifestyle - using this approach he doesn't feel he needs to dwell too long about long term outcomes.

Sister Parminder Rihal, Diabetes Specialist Nurse talks about looking after your Diabetes around having a surgical procedure. She talks about general issues with having good glucose control with diet and exercise. She explains that good glucose control makes healing much more predictable and using the word intensify for glucose control.

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.

Chris explains that for him, the key word is balance. This was the title of Diabetes UK's magazine! He talks about how it's all about balance between carbohydrates intake and insulin and exercise. He explains that you have to be regular with things with Diabetes. Chris talks about the DAFNE programme making things significantly better in terms of everyday life. Lastly he talks about eating and how he deals with food generally.