Homelessness and Diabetes

[Clifton]

Seems to be my week for being in the vicinity of diabetic emergencies.

After my trustee meeting at a local charity in Bristol I was walking through an area of the city centre colloquially known as the Bearpit. It's not the best of areas, as it is a 1970s planning disaster with pedestrian tunnels under a main road where poor souls who're homeless frequently gather.

I heard screaming and saw two young ladies pulling a limp body. I masked up and immediately went to their aid as did others. Thankfully, an off duty Dr from the nearby Royal infirmary arrived a couple of minutes after me at the commotion. The homeless lady in question was in a diabetic crisis and needed immediate intervention.

I stayed to do what I could in support, but she was in good hands with paramedics arriving in short order after my 999 call.

After ascertaining her two friends were not diabetic, I returned with soup and sandwiches and told them not to worry too much. I also referred them to street outreach so at least they're on the radar.

Which leads me to ask...those who are without regular care or basic shelter and
are T1 diabetic, how on earth can they possibly survive let alone cope?

I arrived home in leafy Clifton rather downbeat...

 

[grovesy]

I don't know the answer to your question but we have over the years had the occasional poster who has reported been homeless or in temporary accommodation.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

Oh @Clifton that sounds like a horrible situation for everyone. I don’t think there are any easy ways for people sleeping rough to manage any chronic condition. I hope the hospital will help her to get into temporary accommodation but I know how overwhelmed services are everywhere.

 

[Spozkins]

Yeah, too many poor people end up on the streets. I understand the homeless community can bring some traits that people can find difficult to handle, but they're still human beings aren't they? It makes me feel sad too that how rich you are (or arent) plays such an impact on your right to medication and a painless life.

It was good of you to stop and offer assistance though and I hope you at least credit yourself for being a decent person. Many wouldn't stop but those of us who will really do make a world of difference there; acknowledging homeless people and recognising that we do see them.

 

[trophywench]

When I was young and sashaying down pedestrian underpasses in Birmingham without a care in the world virtually every working day and in the evenings to get from the bus to wherever or to/from carparks etc - it literally never occurred to me to be frightened, because you so rarely saw anything that took you aback. I'm simply unable to deal with such things but TG there are folk who are.