You never forget your first

There are a lot of things we learn to live with as a result of having diabetes.  Hypos are just one of many things that we people with diabetes have to face.

 

I remember when I was diagnosed that the specialist nurse I saw at the time tried to explain to me what it would feel like when I had a hypo.  (There’s no “if” in these cases – you’re bound to have a hypo eventually).  I don’t remember how she described it at the time, although in fairness I was too busy trying to work out how to carry all the stuff I’d been given and desperately trying to remember what doses of insulin I needed to take.

 

What I do vividly remember is having my first hypo.

 

I was working in a pub kitchen when that feeling we’re all familiar with started to wash over me.  I could feel my heart pounding and my hands were starting to shake.  I remember feeling quite disoriented – it was as if thinking had become something to concentrate on rather than being a reflex action.  I think the best analogy you can give someone who isn’t diabetic is that it’s like being in an induced state of panic.  I’m not sure it’s possible to convey to someone who doesn’t get hypos how it actually feels.  Of course your close friends and family will learn the signs and can see what it looks like (reports of me being grumpy in such situations are wide of the mark), but you can’t articulate the way it feels.

 

I’d been given a number to call the first time I went low so that a nurse could make sure I was OK.  I remember stepping outside and making that call, trying to explain what was happening as if I was the first person that this had ever happened to.  Of course that’s not true, but when it’s happening to you for the first time, you’re convinced that you’re the only person in the world that feels that way.

 

Of course the nurse talked me through what I needed to do.  I’m fairly sure I actually carried proper Dextrose tablets back then so having had a couple of those and a sit down I felt ready to go back to work.  The added bonus of working in a kitchen meant a free sandwich was fairly easy to come by.

 

There are so many hurdles we have to jump with this condition and whilst they get easier with time, the first time you go over one, it feels like a mountain.

 

Remember that you’re not on your own with your diabetes – there are a lot of people out there who understand what you’re going through and will help if you need it.  You can always contact us as peer supporters and we’ll help in whatever way possible.

 

Until next time, take care

 

Andy

@AndyPeerSupport

The hassle of eating out

If you're anything like me, the suggestion that my friends and I go to a restaurant, to catch up, is often an event that I dread. I have two groups of friends; in one group there are fellow people with diabetes. In the other group, I am the only one with diabetes and no one else in the group has any experience of the condition. 

With the two groups, eating out is a very different experience. When I'm with my friends who have diabetes, we spend much of the evening discussing what we're going to eat, how many carbs are in our meals, what it'll do to our sugar levels, and how much insulin we're going to inject. A recent experience makes me laugh when I think back to it. The 3 of us always go to Nando's when we're together and we all generally order the same thing.

The last time we met, was no different. Having ordered our food, grabbed our drinks and picked up our cutlery, we all checked our blood sugar levels, so we could decide how much insulin we were each going to inject. My meter told me I was 6.8. Not bad, considering we were having a late lunch. My two friends simultaneously checked their levels. We must have looked a little odd, staring at our three meters. However, my two friends were also 6.8. What were the chances?! 

Even though our levels were the same, and we were eating very similar meals, we all injected different does of insulin. I need very little insulin, whereas one of my friends is particularly resistant to insulin, and so has to inject higher doses.

In comparison, eating out with my other friends, who don't have diabetes, is very different, and sometimes relatively more stressful. When I'm with my diabetes-friends, we tend to go to the same restaurant. If we do go to a new restaurant, we all have mobile apps, and are able to discuss the possible carb content of the meals. This way, we can all try to work out how much insulin we need to inject.

With my other friends, it is stressful and difficult for me, at times. No one likes to go to the same place every time, it's fun to discover new places. Before I was diagnosed with diabetes, and before I had IBS, I loved trying new foods. Unlike my sister who would probably stick to chicken nuggets and chips, if she could...

I have to admit, I do get anxious if I know I'm going out to eat with my friends, especially if I've never been there before. What am I going to eat that won't upset my stomach? What food can I eat that won't have masses of hidden sugars? Should I inject before my meal or after? What if we don't eat until late? So many things that my friends don't have to think about. It is sometimes frustrating that I'm the only one in my group who has to worry about these things.

To try to give myself a break, and try to enjoy my meal at a restaurant, I like to know where I'm going, beforehand. That way, I can look online at the restaurant's menu and try to weight out my options. I've also given the restaurant a call on occasion to see if they cater for gluten free. Luckily, most places do put their menus online, and this saves me a lot of time and worrying. Other things that I can do, include using my phone. Some restaurants have their own mobile apps, which contains their menu, and even some nutritional information. 

My favourite apps are for the Harvester, Nando's and Giraffe. I've even heard a rumour that Pizza Express and Dominoes also have useful apps. I'll certainly have to look into that...Another option is 'MyFitnessPal'. Although it is generally for tracking fitness and diet, it has a very comprehensive database of foods, both home made and restaurant brands. For each listing, full nutritional information is available. This has helped me out particularly when I've been to Indian restaurants. 

I'm not trying to make you all hungry from boasting about all these restaurants. Eating out when you have diabetes is always a challenge. It makes me nervous, it makes many other people nervous, too. However, that doesn't mean that we have to miss out. If you are worried about what you're going to be eat, you could look at the healthy options. These will generally be lower in fat, sugar and salt. You could also ask the restaurant staff for more information about specific meals. 

The greatest tip we can offer to people with diabetes, is to be prepared. Knowing what you're going to eat, takes away a major worry that many people have when eating out. Also making sure you know what your sugar levels are, will help you. If you are eating late, or the restaurant is busy, you may find your sugar levels drop. Having some quick-acting carbs (dextrose tablets, orange juice for example) will save you from a hypo in the restaurant.

If you do need any tips on the best foods to eat, what to avoid, or want to know if you're on the right line, when it comes to restaurant foods, please do feel free to comment, or drop a line at louisepeersupport@live.com. 

Taking diabetes on holiday

I'm sure I'm not the only one to be sorely frustrated by the fact that we can't take a break from our diabetes. It's with us when we're at work, when we're visiting friends, when we're exercising. It even has the cheek to follow us on our summer holidays!

Holiday breaks are certainly a time to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life. Even though those of us with diabetes, can't just 'forget' about it, there is no reason why we can't enjoy ourselves, too. We just have to remember that diabetes will be staying with us, for a while. Whether you are taking a holiday in the UK, sunbathing in Lanzarote, or skiing in the French Alps, there is so much to remember. Not only do we have to remember the usual clothing, sun cream, passports, we also have to remember our MEDICATION.

Arguably not so much of an 'end of the world' feeling if you're on holiday in the UK, but it really is important to remember the everyday essentials, so that you can continue to maintain your sugar levels, when you are on holiday. There are lots of things that will affect your sugar levels - level of activity, mood, diet, temperature. It is difficult to know quite how your diabetes will be affected, with the temporary change of lifestyle. Some people will find the hot temperatures make their sugar levels drop rapidly. Others will be more lenient with the food they eat, thus leading to a rise in sugar levels. However, everyone is DIFFERENT. 

It might also be worth going the extra step, and learn the country's language - if faced with an emergency, you would need to be able to make your way to a hospital. 

Remember, it is ok to let your hair down when you're on holiday, but listen to your body. Look out for the signs of a hypo. Don't neglect your blood glucose meters, and do remember to take the right dose of insulin/tablets, for what you are eating. 

For more guidance on what to remember when going on holiday with diabetes, check out the Diabetes UK website or visit www.diabetes.co.uk/travel

Working with diabetes

Managing your diabetes is a very personal thing and how (and with whom) you choose to share that with can also be a very individual thing.  Some people choose to be very open about it whilst others can be more reserved – and whatever works best for you is obviously the best thing.

 

But is there a certain amount we should disclose about our condition regardless of how much we might want to?

 

I recently started a new job (actually my third different workplace in the last 12 months – the price of being a contract worker) and I haven’t really talked a lot about diabetes since I began.  I have my tester and diary out on my desk all the time, I openly use my pump in the lunch room but I haven’t really explained any of this to my new colleagues.  I’ve told them I have type 1 diabetes but I’ve not elaborated any further than that.

 

I think the main reason is that I don’t want to make other people feel uncomfortable because of it.  Or that I don’t want people to feel any sort of responsibility towards me because of it.  That said, in a previous job, I ended up explaining to two of my co-workers all about type 1 diabetes in great detail when we had an overnight stop in London for some meetings.  It turned out that they were very curious and felt a lot more informed as a result.

 

I’ve always been very independent with my diabetes and whilst my immediate family and close friends know what they need to know I’ve never felt at ease automatically giving that same information to colleagues – partly because I’ve never felt like I needed to. 

 

But is it being responsible for your own health to tell people what might happen, how to treat a hypo and what signs to look out for?

 

I suppose the answer is always a pretty personal thing too.  If you’re going through a phase where your control isn’t as good as you’d like, or you don’t get hypo warning signs then maybe it’s more prudent to be open with your colleagues than if you’re a lot more confident in how your daily routine affects your diabetes.

 

What we should always remember is that there should be no stigma attached to having diabetes and you should always be able to speak openly about what it means for you and what it might mean for your colleagues too.

 

If you’re not sure about how you should broach the subject or want someone to talk to, don’t forget you can contact us in confidence to talk things through.

 

Andy

@AndyPeerSupport

andydiabetespsn@gmail.com

Where's your support network?

There are few things in this world that we can do entirely alone. As children, we needed help to learn to ride a bike, we needed someone to teach us learn to swim. Growing up, we needed the help of teachers and professors, to pass academic exams. We no doubt needed help in our first jobs, someone to guide us in the right direction. Someone to show us the ropes, and to point out where we went wrong.

Living with diabetes is no exception, yet many people often feel like they have to go through it alone. Maybe because they don't know anyone else who has the condition. Maybe because they feel like a 'burden' on their loved ones. Maybe they even feel guilty for having diabetes, and don't feel anyone else should have to put up with it, too.

This is very far from the truth, and very far from the expectations. Diabetes is a condition that doesn't yet have a cure. Until the day that we have a cure, we have to live with the condition. There are no 'holidays' from it, we cannot postpone the condition from ourselves. There is no escape.

There are no doubt times when we wish we could run from diabetes. Lock it in Room 101 and carry on as normal. Diabetes is the cause of so many cases of depression and anxiety, and of course, that could then have a knock-on effect with diabetes, itself.

When we feel like this, it is easy to want to lock away not just the diabetes, but lock ourselves away, from the rest of the world. To some people, this is a coping mechanism. They may need time to think. However, what about those who do this because they feel they have no one to help them get through this?

Diabetes UK has a number of branches when it comes to support networks. This is something they pride themselves on. and rightly so:

Careline: Dedicated helpline for people with diabetes, their parents, partners, friends, colleagues. The helpline is staffed by trained counsellors, who are there to answer ANY questions you have relating to diabetes. Very useful if you have a quick question, or if you need someone to just listen to you.

Local support groups: These have been running for many years, and give support to those with diabetes, on a much more local and personal level. Some groups focus on providing support, some look at ways to raise money for Diabetes UK. Many groups have guest speakers, covering a range of topics. Find your local group.

Diabetes Peer Support Volunteers: This is all about talking to someone who knows first hand what it's like to live with diabetes. They might not be healthcare professionals, but they CAN share their experiences, and help you to work out your issues.

There is a wealth of information out there, in the local community, and within the diabetes online community. As peer support volunteers, we really want to find a way to support YOU. Who do you talk to about your diabetes? Do you have someone you can talk to? Let us know, and let us listen to YOU. Because no matter what anyone thinks, it's all about YOU.

Have a break, have a kit kat

If you have diabetes, how many times have you heard the following five words...

"Should you be eating that?"

This is a question that is wrought with guilt, doubt and perhaps even frustration. Should you really be eating something that tastes so nice, and has a higher sugar content than that salad you had for lunch? Maybe. Maybe not.

When someone with diabetes is initially asked that question, there are many possible replies and reactions. The person could be overcome with a horrible feeling of guilt. Maybe they shouldn't put their body through the extra sugar? How will this one slice of cake affect them, in years to come? Will it? Maybe if they chose a piece of fruit, instead of the cake, their health will be better.

As peer support volunteers, we are in no position to tell someone what they should and should not be eating. We are not healthcare professionals, and cannot say what the consequences of eating something in particular, would be. However, what we can say is that we understand how tough it can be, to constantly have to question every piece of food, every drink, and whether we can afford to.

It may seem like people who don't have diabetes, are trying to dampen the person with diabetes' spirits. Why should someone with diabetes be allowed a custard cream/chocolate digestive, every now and then?

Like everything, 'unhealthy' food is ok to have, every once in a while. There is no food that someone with diabetes, is categorically not allowed to have. Everything is ok, if it is in moderation. The odd chocolate digestive with a cup of tea, will not affect that person's sugar levels in the long run. It may cause a spike, on that day, but it won't rule the person's sugar levels in the long run.

Of course, even within the two main types of diabetes, there are different attitudes and approaches to what someone eats. It has been suggested that those who are insulin dependent, are at an advantage, as they can take into consideration the extra sugar they consume, when they are judging how much insulin to give themselves. Those who treat their diabetes with tablets, may be more inclined to shy away from the sugary food, as they aim to maintain their sugar levels, through tablets only twice a day (rather than at every meal time).

Whatever your attitude toward food and drink, what other people say, shouldn't make you feel guilty, or like you're in the wrong. It is YOUR diabetes, not their diabetes. No one knows your body as well as you do. If you want the occasional treat, this is ok. Everything is ok, in MODERATION.

We may not be healthcare professionals, but if something is bothering you, in regards to your diabetes, please feel free to talk to us. We have many contacts, within the healthcare profession, who will have the answers to your questions, if we don't.

Food, Glorious Food

Chances are if you’re diabetic that at some stage someone has said to you “Should you be eating that?!” as you reach for a biscuit or some chocolate.  Food and diet in general is obviously one of the most important things to consider when you have diabetes and can cause difficulties for some people who are unsure about what to do for the best.

I remember the first few supermarket trips after I was diagnosed 12 years ago.  As a university student I was faced with the timeless battle of buying the “right” food on a budget.  I think that first trip took me an hour and a half as I poured over food labels, laboriously trying to find the “healthiest” food on each aisle.

In truth that was partly due to still being in a state of shock at being diagnosed, and partly due to not being fully informed about what choices I had regarding food, and how I could use my insulin to manage what I wanted to eat (to a certain extent anyway).

Whilst the picture above is a little tongue in cheek (what about cake with poison for example?), it’s not really far from the truth.  That said, it’s probably wise to make a little distinction between what you can eat and what you should eat.  Perhaps surprisingly the answers to these questions are not really much different whether you’re diabetic or not.

What you “should” eat which is basically a healthy balanced diet which is low in saturated fat and salt and high in fibre and contains lots of fruit and vegetables.  That’s basically what anyone should be eating, regardless of diabetes.  That’s not to say that a sweet or sugary treat is off limits of course, but they should be eaten in moderation rather than making up a part of your daily diet.

So what steps can do to make some improvements to your diet?

Eating a lot of foods that are high in saturated fat can increase your cholesterol which in turn increases your risk of heart disease which is something you obviously want to avoid.  Limiting your saturated fat intake and switching to lower fat spreads or using skimmed milk can help.  The NHS Live Well site has some good information on reducing your fat intake.

It’s also worth taking a look at the Eatwell Plate which gives a good guide on what proportion of your daily food intake should come from which food groups.  You might find that making a few small changes will give you some big benefits.

There are also other resources you can use when reviewing your diet.  Diabetes UK have a guideto healthy eating with diabetes which includes over 250 online recipes.  You can also make an appointment to talk to a dietician via your GP or Diabetes Centre at your local hospital.  They can offer a number of options for you depending on your circumstances.

Finally, you can always talk to other people with diabetes about their experiences, either via this blog, Twitter/Facebook or using one of your local groups.  It’s always good to be able to speak to other people in a similar situation to yourself as sharing tips and frustrations can often be a good way of finding out something new.

You can find us on Twitter at @AndyPeerSupport or @LouPeerSupport or search Facebook for “Diabetes Peer Support Sheffield” or “Essex Diabetes Peer Support”