Hi, I'm Barry and these days I live in Taunton, although I was born in Sussex. I'm a retired biomedical and environmental scientist and tutor, now 65, and I was diagnosed Type 2 about 5 years ago. I've recently applied to volunteer for Diabetes UK, and have just had my (online) induction. Looking forward to a good chat with you all...
-
Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
Greetings from darkest Zummerzet!
- Thread starter Bazza
- Start date
- Status
rebrascora
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hi and welcome from me too.
How do you manage your diabetes and what do you find most challenging about it?
How do you manage your diabetes and what do you find most challenging about it?
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Welcome to the forum @Bazza and thanks for volunteering with Diabetes UK.
Have you volunteered for a specific role?
How do you manage your diabetes? Do you use any medications? Do you monitor your own BG levels? Are there any irritations or confusions you have with your diabetes management? Or any real “lightbulb” moments you have had that have really worked for you and made a big difference to your relationship with your diabetes?
Look forward to hearing more of your story 🙂
Have you volunteered for a specific role?
How do you manage your diabetes? Do you use any medications? Do you monitor your own BG levels? Are there any irritations or confusions you have with your diabetes management? Or any real “lightbulb” moments you have had that have really worked for you and made a big difference to your relationship with your diabetes?
Look forward to hearing more of your story 🙂
SB2015
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Apologies for the late reply, I've just got back after a summer in Ireland.
I was diagnosed pre-diabetes about May 2014. Initial HbA1c 54. I'm male, now 65, and obese.
Managed quite well with diet and exercise at first, bumping along in the high 40s for 3 years.
2018 saw 55 then 59, and my nurse suggested Metformin, just 500mg once per day.
Back down into the high 40s and all well, until 2020 and lockdown! June saw 81, after 3 months of idleness and eating!
Controversially no change in meds but away to Ireland, walking more, and onto a ketogenic diet.
Next tests/review on Monday!
I was diagnosed pre-diabetes about May 2014. Initial HbA1c 54. I'm male, now 65, and obese.
Managed quite well with diet and exercise at first, bumping along in the high 40s for 3 years.
2018 saw 55 then 59, and my nurse suggested Metformin, just 500mg once per day.
Back down into the high 40s and all well, until 2020 and lockdown! June saw 81, after 3 months of idleness and eating!
Controversially no change in meds but away to Ireland, walking more, and onto a ketogenic diet.
Next tests/review on Monday!
My biggest problem and the root of my diabetes, cholesterolaemia and hypertension is my battle with weight. Partly because I'm a lazy B but also I take after my dad and his dad, being short and round apparently from birth! I've tried many diets including Slimming World and the NHS calorie controlled but the only one that worked was the Atkins (several years ago) and now the full-on ketogenic. Now I'm back in the UK I'd like to get down the gym again, since a couple of sessions a week was my most successful intervention. I'm in no condition to run (BMI 37) but I do love to walk and cycle, and I do love and miss the bike, cross trainer and rowing machines. Anyway we'll see what my brilliant nurse recommends next on Monday.
On the volunteering front I've been through the application, references and this week the induction phases. The two roles I'm most interested in are becoming a Speaker (I've registered interest in the next training session in December) and meanwhile helping out my local Taunton and District group as I can. I'm still a tutor part time and have taught Biology and Biomedical science to audiences including GCSE kids and non-specialist adults so I reckon I can talk about diabetes. And I've been a forum manager/moderater so reckon I can help my local group with things like their dormant Facebook page.
- Status