Diabetes UK February Update
Inpatient insight work
Diabetes UK know that during the Coronavirus pandemic hospital care has been different to normal. Which is why they want to hear from people with diabetes, and their carers, who have had a stay in hospital since March 2020.
They want to understand people’s experiences so that they can make sure they are doing everything possible to make hospital safe for people with diabetes. Sharing your experiences will involve having a 1-1 interview with a member of the Diabetes UK team during the month of February. All of your experiences will be kept strictly confidential. They will also provide a £25 shopping voucher to say thank you for your time. Vouchers are subject to availability and for those aged 18+ and UK residents.
If you would like to participate, or if you have further questions, you can contact them via their helpline on 0345 123 2399 (England, N.Ireland, Wales), 0141 212 8710 (Scotland) or by emailing them at inpatientcare@diabetes.org.uk.
When Your Child Is Newly Diagnosed With Type 1 - Virtual Q&A Session
If your child has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your family may be going through a challenging time - especially if you’ve had to adjust to your 'new normal' during the pandemic. You might be feeling overwhelmed, and you might not have met anyone else with type 1.
Join Diabetes UK for their ‘For Parents and Carers: When Your Child Is Newly Diagnosed With Type 1’ Virtual Q&A Session on Monday 22 February, 7-8.30pm. You’ll hear from five fabulous volunteers who all live with type 1 diabetes and know exactly how diagnosis feels. You can send through any questions you have, no matter how big or small.
Book your free place here: https://eu.eventscloud.com/esurvey/200042039
Please note: This session is aimed at parents and carers of children and young people with type 1, aged 0-17.
South Asian community focused online events
Diabetes UK colleagues in the South East are hosting two free online events for people from the South Asian community. You don’t have to live in the South East to attend and anyone interested can register on the links below.
Thursday 25 Feb 10.30-12.00pm
Pre-Diabetes and reducing risks of developing type 2 diabetes in the South Asian community.
(Dr Shiba Qamar, GP & Aqib Elahi, NDPP educator)
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yybolndr
Thursday 4 March 2.00-3.30pm
Self Management: Empowering people with type 2 diabetes from the South Asian community.
(Dr Binodh Chathanath, GP)
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/y4dy8be5
Vaccine Q&A Session video
Diabetes UK pages on diabetes and the coronavirus vaccine now also include their vaccine Q&A session video. Watch a panel of healthcare professionals answer your questions about the coronavirus vaccine, including how safe it is for people with diabetes. They recorded this Q&A in January 2021.
New guide to diabetes and moving more
The Diabetes UK new Guide to moving more is now available to download from their shop or from their exercise web pages – it contains information about why it's important to move more when you have diabetes, as well as ways to include different types of activity into daily life. There's also space for users to track their progress over a 10-week journey and reflect on what they're learning along the way.
Challenge yourself with FakeAway Feb
This February, Diabetes UK are asking people across our region to keep up the new year motivation by signing up to take part in Diabetes UK’s first ever FakeAway Feb. Challenge yourself to swap processed foods and takeaways for healthier alternatives throughout the month of February, while raising vital funds for diabetes research. With Diabetes UK by your side to provide advice, support, and most importantly – delicious recipes, FakeAway Feb is here to kickstart your home-cooking journey.
When you sign up, you’ll receive access to their online community where members can share cooking tips and tricks, as well as access to their FakeAway Feb Toolkit – where you can download your free meal planner. It’s simple – one month, totally homemade.
Sign up to FakeAway Feb today, and kickstart your journey to a healthier you.
Ongoing advice and support
Please remember that anyone affected by diabetes can continue to access information and support through the following channels:
Diabetes UK’s regional Facebook Group - Diabetes Chat: Your friend in the North: www.facebook.com/groups/193410685443622
Diabetes UK’s Helpline: Call: 0345 123 2399 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm or Email: helpline@diabetes.org.uk
Diabetes UK’s coronavirus advice web pages: www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
Diabetes UK’s Learning Zone: www.diabetes.org.uk/learn
