Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Just got my new copy of Balance (Diabetes UK's magazine for supporting members http://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/Membership/ ). I have to say that there has been a big improvement in recent issues since the dark days of the 'disgusted nurse' and frightening us all to death with the seeming inevitibility of horrendous complications! There seems to be a more positive approach overall, plus relevant informational articles covering a wide range of topics.
This issue isn't 'themed' like some in the past have been (back to basics, pregnancy etc.). Instead there is a good mixture of encouraging articles that illustrate how diabetes should not be a barrier to doing the kind of things non-Ds get up to - specifically, climbing Everest and being an International Ambassador (how many carbs in a Ferrero Rocher, Mr Ambassador? 😉). It's good to see the positive side of things, especially when the dark mists of depression and frustration descend and you might be feeling limited by the grind and uncertainty of it all.
There are some timely articles (for me, at least!) about retinopathy screening, the Glycaemic Index, aspirin and plans for creating an education and care package for use by teenagers. There's a nice article by our member Patricia on how her daughter came to terms with her brother's diagnosis, plus the usual letters, advice page and Arthur Smith's column - this issue talking about how to use diabetes to get out of the doghouse!
Member Lee Nevitt features in an article about User Involvement - getting your views accross in the NHS, and for X-factor fans (sort of!) there's an interview with Alexandra Burke's mum, Melissa, who has Type 2 with complications.
There's also the little 'Chat Room' penpal section...and they've included a mention of the forum here! At last! I hope this points a few more people in our direction!
Verdict? Not a bad little read, I'm happy to say! 🙂
This issue isn't 'themed' like some in the past have been (back to basics, pregnancy etc.). Instead there is a good mixture of encouraging articles that illustrate how diabetes should not be a barrier to doing the kind of things non-Ds get up to - specifically, climbing Everest and being an International Ambassador (how many carbs in a Ferrero Rocher, Mr Ambassador? 😉). It's good to see the positive side of things, especially when the dark mists of depression and frustration descend and you might be feeling limited by the grind and uncertainty of it all.
There are some timely articles (for me, at least!) about retinopathy screening, the Glycaemic Index, aspirin and plans for creating an education and care package for use by teenagers. There's a nice article by our member Patricia on how her daughter came to terms with her brother's diagnosis, plus the usual letters, advice page and Arthur Smith's column - this issue talking about how to use diabetes to get out of the doghouse!
Member Lee Nevitt features in an article about User Involvement - getting your views accross in the NHS, and for X-factor fans (sort of!) there's an interview with Alexandra Burke's mum, Melissa, who has Type 2 with complications.
There's also the little 'Chat Room' penpal section...and they've included a mention of the forum here! At last! I hope this points a few more people in our direction!
Verdict? Not a bad little read, I'm happy to say! 🙂
