What has the DUK forum done for you?

[MikeyBikey]

I originally joined in the mid-noughties after reading about it in Balance. However, I have to admit I never participated much. I left after two years as it felt very cliquey. There also seemed a degree of bullying.

Not remembering my login (do old ones get deleted after a period of time?) I joined afresh a few years ago. The cliqueness is still here but less pronounced. However, it seems to exist on the other diabetes forums as well.

 

[Northerner]

I originally joined in the mid-noughties after reading about it in Balance. However, I have to admit I never participated much. I left after two years as it felt very cliquey. There also seemed a degree of bullying.

Not remembering my login (do old ones get deleted after a period of time?) I joined afresh a few years ago. The cliqueness is still here but less pronounced. However, it seems to exist on the other diabetes forums as well.

Are you sure it was this forum? It's only existed since November 2008, and only really started to take off in mid-2009. There certainly wasn't any bullying going on then - I know because I was Admin and read every post! 🙂 The forum had no Diabetes UK branding at the time but there is another forum which was around for a couple of years before this one that called itself Diabetes.co.uk (still does and still exists). As memberships grow then there can be more instances of bullying, but we've always tried to crack down on anything like that from the start. I think also that some people are bound to feel there is some 'cliquey-ness' because there tends to be a core group of members who post regularly, but everyone is welcomed equally. Apologies if I sound a bit defensive! 😉

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

One time i did post about how frustrated and worried i felt having diabetes and messages i had back made me feel i wasn't alone either in my feelings or my daily battle with levels. I've used the forum to find out information and ask questions and have always found everyone to be helpful and kind. Keep up the good work everyone, not sure what i would do without the forum

Thanks folks! These are really great! Keep em coming 🙂

 

[sololite]

I found the forum very useful when first diagnosed as it helped me understand through other peoples experiences all the things I was unclear about.

I dip in occasionally now I am into the whole routine but have visited a lot more recently since the virus took hold.

It's a fantastic resource and apart from content provided by the trolls, who frankly should be ashamed of themselves, supports our physical and mental health.

 

[trophywench]

Every forum in the world gets visited by trolls from time to time but Admins and Moderators are pretty used to getting rid of them PDQ these days!

 

[Pina]

I was lost, newly diagnosed, and Coronavirus began... I hadn't been told much about my condition, and to be honest, I was a little scared. I didn't know what I could and couldn't eat. This group helped answer my questions, even though they sounded childish sometimes. Thank you for all the help xx

 

[ColinUK]

I’ve spent years working in the charity sector and was familiar with the main UK diabetes charities.
When I was diagnosed I googled them and looked at both the big ones and found this one warmer and more my style I guess. So I apologise for staying around!

I’ve used to forum to vent, to become informed, to feel a camaraderie too - even though we’re all different and all of our experiences are different, there are some common threads that weave their way through our experiences and it’s great to see that in the answers and the posts here.

In practical terms of it wasn’t for the forum I would probably have spent too much on a BG monitor that looks nice rather than one which actually did the job.

I also like the more esoteric threads line the gardening ones and the jokey ones 🙂

 

[Ditto]

Can't remember why I was looking for D stuff, just clicked DUK and the forum appeared immediately so I joined. I join things willynilly. I stay because I mostly like the peoples but I miss some people that aren't here now. Feel a fraud being here in one way as I'm the worst Diabetics ever. I don't pass muster. One of these days...

 

[Jodee]

I think social media posts (eg FB page) are exactly what is being planned, and why Diabetes UK was hoping to get some sound bite quotes, examples and experiences that might be used 🙂

The risk is the trolls and spammers love places like this so the forum would have to have tip top security measures and Admin / moderators 24/7 on the ball for those that sneak through and start spamming everyone's mail box via the forum. Having said that from what I cannot see happening the forum does already have that

 

[HenryBennett]

Like ColinUK, above, I worked in the charity sector for many years and DUK has been well known to me for a long time. I was diagnosed Type 2 after a heart attack in February. Whilst in hospital I was visited by any number of support people for heart, diet, diabetes etc. But the Coronavirus struck just after I left hospital. An initial visit to the cardiac rehab centre and a short visit with the diabetes nurse at my GP. Then lockdown.

So, my first thought: Diabetes UK and British Heart Foundation websites. Both very professional organisations and wonderful support.

This forum is especially good. Congratulations to the Administrator (great job everydayupsanddowns), moderators and well-known members. I seriously would be hard pushed to think of any changes to make it better. So, a big thanks.

 

[trophywench]

@ColinUK - are you referring to DUK and JDRF, cos I'm not aware of any other adult forum than DUK?

 

[annealex1]

Im so glad to be here! Recently joined and ploughing thought the posts. So grateful for the help.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Awwwww! Thanks @HenryBennett *blushes* 🙂

 

[happydog]

I was diagnosed with T2 in September 2012. No one else in my family has this condition and I have never been overweight. The doctor was very matter of fact and said that it was probable that I would need to go onto insulin but they would start with tablets. I said that I needed time to consider my options and he said that I did not have any and that if I lived for another 10 years I would be lucky. I was in a state of shock. I looked on the internet for information and was fortunate enough to come across the forum. I decided to try to control my condition with diet and exercise and refused the medication. The doctor was aghast and said I was jeopardising my health by being non-compliant. He was adamant that I did not need to test myself all I needed to do was take the medication offered. On the forum I found a group of lovely, supportive, knowledgeable people who know exactly what it is like to have this condition. Through their support I stuck to my guns and so far I have avoided having any medication, I have learnt about what I should eat and what effects to look out for. My BG was 42 last year, has been a little lower, and is a work in progress. They have just given me another blood test which I fear will not be as good as I have been unable to have my usual amount of exercise until a few days ago. I also think I may have put on about a kilo as I have eaten as much as usual without the exercise . I have also had some stress as my husband died and my son has been very depressed since. I will always be so grateful to the people on this forum who have been my help and support even at the darkest times. I would not be as well as I am without their help. Sorry to say that I have had minimal help from the medical people at the surgery where I go. They clearly have a formula which is diagnose and medicate and do not listen to any other suggestions or discuss things. I had a lot of suspect dietary advice too, but I soon found out what to do here. I think the forum is a wonderful place full of super people who are so supportive. I love it and owe everything to it. Thank you all.

 

[SueEK]

I was diagnosed out of the blue in Jan 2019. Didn't have a clue about diabetes, didn't know anyone who had it and no idea of what I was supposed to do. I was told at my surgery that I wasn't a typical T2 but to go on medication and cut out the cakes (I don't eat cakes) - that was it. I was totally flummoxed. I decided to look at the learning section and work my way through it which I did over a couple of weeks and then had a hunt around and found the forum. I had never joined a forum in my life so was a little hesitant but knew that I really needed advice. I got it by the bucketload, everyone was so friendly and I have never felt there was any bullying, intimidation or ridicule whenever I asked stupid questions. Stupid questions are part of it, it can often be the little things that worry us the most but they get answered just the same as any other question. I feel I have learnt loads, though do not always apply it, but just to be able to ask questions about anything at all is just brill.
I also love the 7 day waking average, it keeps me in touch with others and you feel like you know a little bit about the people that are posting. My favourite posts are by @Ditto who is so honest about everything. You are a great asset so don't do yourself down. I like the way everyone encourages each other and we all take pleasure in our achievements and feel for each other when things are not going so great. We have all taken huge pleasure in the birth of @merrymunky s baby and have followed her pregnancy with baited breath - how diverse is this forum!!!
Just one point I would like to make, I work in a surgery and speak to the DN's, we have three. One I really like and has been helpful but we work different hours. The other two are weird, they know I am T2 but never ask how I am or how I'm doing. I can't abide my DN at the surgery I attend and she doesn't like me testing, trying to get strips or being on this site. She wants me to do exactly what she says and to be perfectly honest, she doesn't know what she's talking about in a lot of instances. Therefore I shall do what I want to and follow the advice I receive here, if one thing doesn't work I try another and so far I don't think I've done too bad and anything that isn't working is, I know, down to me and me alone.
So, bottom line is, this forum is excellent, love the people, love the subjects, love the camaraderie and great and fair administrators. Not sure how else you can advertise the site unless there was a hugely expensive tv advert, don't suppose that will happen.
Anyway well done one and all. Sue x

 

[Ditto]

My favourite posts are by @Ditto who is so honest about everything.

Lol! I so wasn't expecting to read that. Thank you, made my day which has been dire, I banged my shin on my new (to me) futon and it swelled up immediately like an egg and went black and I thought I was dying. I didn't even get a chance to rub it. Such a wimp. Everything is blown out of all proportion because of the D, I thought I might lose my leg, I lay there whimpering. I'd be lost without this forum I think.

 

[Ian T]

I was diagnosed T1/LADA in 2016 but have only recently joined the Forum to get more info on C-19. I wish I had joined earlier as one of the hardest things originally was feeling isolated with the condition. My first big step forward was when I went on a course at Paula Carr centre in Ashford - it was the first time I had met other people with diabetes and it made a huge positive impact for me just to share experiences and ideas. For me this forum achieves much of the same - it almost doesn't matter what the topics are it's just good to know that other people are working on the same things as me - some very successfully, some still trying to work it all out.

 

[Jeff Stevens]

This forum has been really good for me. I only recently joined up and I have been a Type 2 for around ten years or so. I've already had some very helpful messages of encouragement and support and it's those messages from people who know exacly what I'm babbling on about and going through, which make all the difference. Here are a few notes about where I am today...

I'm awaiting my next Type 2 review which is due in a couple of weeks or so. Recently, my surgery nurse told me my BG level (following my blood sample) was way too high at 74 and had gone up from 64 the year before. So I put myself on a low carb diet and have been keeping a food diary (her suggestion) since the start of the week, and I'm going to be submitting another blood sample in a few weeks time to see if I can get my BS level back down to a more manageable level.

Incredibly, my cholesterol level is only 2.3 and every other body function is OK, except my BMI which is 35, which also needs come down, but I'm exercising every day. I have asked her to set me up an appointment with a specialist dietician but sadly, due to this damned virus the surgery he works from is not yet operating as normal, but hopefully that'll change soon.

Meanwhile, I'm doing the best I can regarding my dietary changes and am hoping for the best. The problem is I'm one of the world's worst cooks (seriously). My wife God rest her soul used to tell me the best way to help her in the kitchen was to stay out of it and she was right, but now, needs must and I'm getting into it more and more because I have to. I mean, how hard can it be, right?

 

[SueEK]

This forum has been really good for me. I only recently joined up and I have been a Type 2 for around ten years or so. I've already had some very helpful messages of encouragement and support and it's those messages from people who know exacly what I'm babbling on about and going through, which make all the difference. Here are a few notes about where I am today...

I'm awaiting my next Type 2 review which is due in a couple of weeks or so. Recently, my surgery nurse told me my BG level (following my blood sample) was way too high at 74 and had gone up from 64 the year before. So I put myself on a low carb diet and have been keeping a food diary (her suggestion) since the start of the week, and I'm going to be submitting another blood sample in a few weeks time to see if I can get my BS level back down to a more manageable level.

Incredibly, my cholesterol level is only 2.3 and every other body function is OK, except my BMI which is 35, which also needs come down, but I'm exercising every day. I have asked her to set me up an appointment with a specialist dietician but sadly, due to this damned virus the surgery he works from is not yet operating as normal, but hopefully that'll change soon.

Meanwhile, I'm doing the best I can regarding my dietary changes and am hoping for the best. The problem is I'm one of the world's worst cooks (seriously). My wife God rest her soul used to tell me the best way to help her in the kitchen was to stay out of it and she was right, but now, needs must and I'm getting into it more and more because I have to. I mean, how hard can it be, right?

I’m with you on the cooking Jeff, I can’t abide it. If you carry on with the low carb you will lose weight and then in turn the weight loss and low carb will lower your bg so that’s all positive. Sounds like you have a good DN there which is great as many of them are not very good. Good luck with it all x

 

[Jeff Stevens]

I’m with you on the cooking Jeff, I can’t abide it. If you carry on with the low carb you will lose weight and then in turn the weight loss and low carb will lower your bg so that’s all positive. Sounds like you have a good DN there which is great as many of them are not very good. Good luck with it all x

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I must admit to not being any kind of expert on these things, despite having been T2 for a long time, so can you tell me what the abbreviation 'DN' means? (sorry to be thick...)