The theme for Diabetes Week 2018 is Talk About Diabetes, and Diabetes UK is taking the opportunity to help people with diabetes have honest, open conversations about their condition with healthcare professionals, friends and family.
With this in mind, Diabetes UK is hosting a free event at Swindon Town Football Club for people aged between 16 and 26 who are living with Type 1 diabetes.
Dubbed #TheBig1, the meetup will take place on Saturday, 16 June. It will offer the opportunity for young adults with Type 1 diabetes to relax and chat with others in the same age group who are living with the condition. They will also be able to hear from experts and from inspirational people who have Type 1 diabetes, including Welsh sprinter Melanie Stephenson who has competed at national and international level.
In the light of the poll findings, Diabetes UK has produced a list of top tips to encourage people with diabetes to have conversations with their healthcare professional team they may have been avoiding.
Diabetes UK’s top tips for people with diabetes talking to healthcare professionals:
- Diabetes is complicated and different for everyone. There’s no such thing as a silly question. So don’t be afraid to ask about whatever’s on your mind.
- It’ll really help if you go to your appointment with some questions in mind. You could write them down or send them to your healthcare team beforehand.
- This time is for you, so let your healthcare team know what you’d like to talk about from the start.
- Sometimes you’ll have more to talk about and you might need more time. If you can, book a double appointment so you don’t have to rush.
- There might be things you feel uncomfortable talking about. But your healthcare team is there to help, so be honest and make the most of their medical expertise.
Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK south west regional head:
“Talking about diabetes can be hard. But for someone living with the condition, or caring for someone who does, it can mean getting the right treatment, ensuring your rights are protected at work, or making sure your child gets the best care at school. That’s why being able to talk about diabetes, and having people to talk to about the condition, is so important.
“This diabetes week we want to help people live better with diabetes, by giving them tools and tips to start tricky conversations, and get the support they really need.
“Finding information online about diabetes can be tricky, too, and risky if you don’t know where to start. We’d recommend using the Diabetes UK website, or our helpline, if you want to be signposted to expert advice about living with or managing any aspect of diabetes.”
An earlier survey of more than 8,000 people? living with or affected by diabetes carried out by Diabetes UK showed that greater support for emotional and psychological health; better access to healthcare professionals who understand diabetes; and more support and understanding at work and school were priorities for those affected by the condition.
In order to get people talking this Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK is also asking people to share their own tips about having difficult conversations. Get involved and share your tips on the website www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek or on social media using the hashtag #talkaboutdiabetes.
#TheBig1 will take place on 16 June 2018, 10.30am to 4pm at Swindon Town Football Club. Lunch and snacks are provided. You can also bring a “plus one” and under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult. To sign up for a free place, go to eu.eventscloud.com/thebig1. For further information, call the south west office of Diabetes UK on 01823 448260 or email [email protected]
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