Hello - support offered!

[AndyPeerSupport]

Hi! I'm Andy - I'm new to the forum but I've had Type 1 diabetes for 12 years now.

I'm looking to talk to other people with diabetes and share experiences that others have with both Type 1 and Type 2 (and everything in between).

I'm also a volunteer with Diabetes UK working on a Peer Support project. I've been through some training and myself and one other volunteer are in the process of starting out with the service.

I know forums can be a great place to receive support for those days where diabetes can feel as if it's overwhelming you, and I'm hoping the Peer Support service will add another option for some people.

You can read more about Peer Support on our blog (http://diabetespeersupport.blogspot.com/) or you can e-mail andydiabatespsn@gmail.com

Thanks in advance and please ask if you have any questions. Look forward to chatting either on the forums or elsewhere.

Andy

 

[Northerner]

Hi Andy, welcome to the forum 🙂 Support is always good, in whatever form it is offered 🙂 How are things with your diabetes?Are you on any medication for it? There are lots of people with all manner of connections to diabetes, all types, parents, carers, partners, from teens up through the decades to the 70s. It would be interesting to hear of your experiences on the Peer Support programme (no personal details, obviously!)

I look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[AndyPeerSupport]

Hi! Thanks very much.

I'm actually in a clinical study at the moment looking to understand whether DAFNE education combined with insulin pump usage is more effective at treating T1 in adults than DAFNE + multiple injections.

I've had my pump since January and will be on it for another year at least. It's been great on the whole so far (but as with anything it's not without it's occasional frustrations!)

The Peer Support is really still in its infancy at the moment - I'm trying to do a lot to raise awareness of the service at the moment (along with my fellow volunteer Louise). The feedback we've have has been overwhelmingly positive and I'm sure you're aware how many people there are that could sometimes do with a sympathetic ear to listen or guide them in the right direction. It's really not about offering expert advice, but more about being available to listen when someone needs it (we're using the hashtag #talktosomeone on Twitter).

I know from previous experience that forums can be a great way for people to interact, but equally that sometimes people have questions they don't want to voice in public, and hopefully that's where Peer Support can step in.

Thanks again for making me feel so welcome 🙂

Andy