Coronavirus: Advice for people living with diabetes
16 June 2020
Here are some helpful tips on what precautions you should take, and what you need to know The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that spread of the coronavirus as a pandemic in March, and and most countries have seen outbreaks. Although the UK is seeing a decline in the number of new cases and hospitalisations, we all still need to be careful and try to reduce the spread of the virus as much as possible. People with diabetes are classed by the NHS and UK Government as 'clinically vulnerable' Although this means someone with diabetes is not required to shield themselves, they are...
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My diabetes story: Rodrigo
3 November 2019
Meet Rodrigo My diabetes diagnosis was made at an annual exam. The diagnosis really took me by surprise. I did not have any sign or any symptom that made me think that I could be diabetic. Then what I thought was how I was going to tell my family because I knew that this would change my everyday life and I was sure that without my family I wouldn...
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Talking about diabetes
2 November 2019
I recently heard something interesting about diabetes and I want to share it with you. In a conversation with Professor Katharine Barnard-Kelly, Ph.D. she said she believed people who have had diabetes for a while fundamentally know how to manage the mechanics of it; the challenge is how to apply it in the context of their own lifestyle. Juggling diabetes alongside other everyday priorities can be an enormous task, and it is little wonder that so many people experience diabetes burden and distress. A simple approach to reduce the feeling of being...
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My diabetes story
1 November 2019
Transcript People speaking: Hi everyone. My name is Bastiaan. Hi! My name is Carol Dicken. Hola, soy Rodrigo. Hi, my name is Sarah. Hi! My name is Jenny. My name is Dr. Urooj Imam. My name is Stephanie. Hallo, mein Name ist Michaela. I...
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What benefits can pets bring to people with diabetes?
3 October 2019
It's no wonder we often call pets our best friends. They are always there to greet us with a warm nuzzle or wagging tail. They never judge us. We can play with them. They are fun to take care of. We form real, strong bonds with them. Did you know pets can also be beneficial for health? Let's take a look at some health benefits of pet ownership, to mark World Animal Day, October 4, 20191. 1. Pets can improve fitness Taking care of pets requires some type of physical activity. Whether you are changing out a litter box, chasing around a roaming hamster ball or taking the dog on walks, you...
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6 steps to building a better doctor's visit
18 September 2019
How long do you spend with your Healthcare Professional (HCP) these days? 10 minutes? 15? Even though your time is short, there are things you can do to forge a more collaborative relationship, have more productive conversations and make every second count. Plan a day or two ahead. Send your blood sugar readings in advance by email or the route your HCP prefers. Call out anything you notice that's out of the ordinary. Then bring a copy of everything with you, just in case. Your doctor may only take a glance before you meet, but you'll get the wheels turning for...
Read More
Trouble-free travelling with your insulin pump
5 August 2019
Planning a trip when you have to remember essential diabetes kit can be time consuming, so we thought some travel tips and advice might come in handy. Travel checklist Remember to pack the following for your trip: Plenty of cannula and infusion sets Batteries and battery key Insulin vials (quick acting) Insulin cartridges for pump and pen Insulin pens and needles Test strips and lancets Emergency contact details Carbohydrate to treat hypos Travel letter form hospital diabetes team (or GP) explaining...
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Get prepared for festival season
24 July 2019
Bastiaan likes to visit festivals. He always prepares well, so that he can enjoy the day. He wears a sensor that can alert him all day long if a hypo or hyper is lurking. This way he can listen to the music and dance without any worries. "It is especially important at a festival that you keep an eye on everything, so that you can fully enjoy the experience" - Bastiaan “For me, the summer in Amsterdam is all about having a drink on the terrace, swimming in the Amstel, sunbathing in the park but above...
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What is Type 2 diabetes and how is it linked to obesity?
25 June 2019
Type 2 diabetes represents around 90% of people with diabetes1. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the body cannot properly use the insulin it does create. Eventually, the pancreas may stop producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes can affect people at any age. Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly and the signs may not be obvious. Additional risk factors or characteristics for Type 2 diabetes include: Age – being over 40 can increase your risk If you have or had high blood pressure Family history of diabetes History...
Read MorePages
My diabetes story: Rodrigo
3 November 2019
Meet Rodrigo My diabetes diagnosis was made at an annual exam. The diagnosis really took me by surprise. I did not have any sign or any symptom that made me think that I could be diabetic. Then what I thought was how I was going to tell my family because I knew that this would change my everyday life and I was sure that without my family I wouldn...
Read More
Talking about diabetes
2 November 2019
I recently heard something interesting about diabetes and I want to share it with you. In a conversation with Professor Katharine Barnard-Kelly, Ph.D. she said she believed people who have had diabetes for a while fundamentally know how to manage the mechanics of it; the challenge is how to apply it in the context of their own lifestyle. Juggling diabetes alongside other everyday priorities can be an enormous task, and it is little wonder that so many people experience diabetes burden and distress. A simple approach to reduce the feeling of being...
Read More
My diabetes story
1 November 2019
Transcript People speaking: Hi everyone. My name is Bastiaan. Hi! My name is Carol Dicken. Hola, soy Rodrigo. Hi, my name is Sarah. Hi! My name is Jenny. My name is Dr. Urooj Imam. My name is Stephanie. Hallo, mein Name ist Michaela. I...
Read More What benefits can pets bring to people with diabetes?
3 October 2019
It's no wonder we often call pets our best friends. They are always there to greet us with a warm nuzzle or wagging tail. They never judge us. We can play with them. They are fun to take care of. We form real, strong bonds with them. Did you know pets can also be beneficial for health? Let's take a look at some health benefits of pet ownership, to mark World Animal Day, October 4, 20191. 1. Pets can improve fitness Taking care of pets requires some type of physical activity. Whether you are changing out a litter box, chasing around a roaming hamster ball or taking the dog on walks, you...
Read More
6 steps to building a better doctor's visit
18 September 2019
How long do you spend with your Healthcare Professional (HCP) these days? 10 minutes? 15? Even though your time is short, there are things you can do to forge a more collaborative relationship, have more productive conversations and make every second count. Plan a day or two ahead. Send your blood sugar readings in advance by email or the route your HCP prefers. Call out anything you notice that's out of the ordinary. Then bring a copy of everything with you, just in case. Your doctor may only take a glance before you meet, but you'll get the wheels turning for...
Read More
Trouble-free travelling with your insulin pump
5 August 2019
Planning a trip when you have to remember essential diabetes kit can be time consuming, so we thought some travel tips and advice might come in handy. Travel checklist Remember to pack the following for your trip: Plenty of cannula and infusion sets Batteries and battery key Insulin vials (quick acting) Insulin cartridges for pump and pen Insulin pens and needles Test strips and lancets Emergency contact details Carbohydrate to treat hypos Travel letter form hospital diabetes team (or GP) explaining...
Read More
Get prepared for festival season
24 July 2019
Bastiaan likes to visit festivals. He always prepares well, so that he can enjoy the day. He wears a sensor that can alert him all day long if a hypo or hyper is lurking. This way he can listen to the music and dance without any worries. "It is especially important at a festival that you keep an eye on everything, so that you can fully enjoy the experience" - Bastiaan “For me, the summer in Amsterdam is all about having a drink on the terrace, swimming in the Amstel, sunbathing in the park but above...
Read More What is Type 2 diabetes and how is it linked to obesity?
25 June 2019
Type 2 diabetes represents around 90% of people with diabetes1. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the body cannot properly use the insulin it does create. Eventually, the pancreas may stop producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes can affect people at any age. Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly and the signs may not be obvious. Additional risk factors or characteristics for Type 2 diabetes include: Age – being over 40 can increase your risk If you have or had high blood pressure Family history of diabetes History...
Read More