Recent Posts in General Discussion

Oct 26, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Just wanted to let you know that I'm now involved in a Peer Support Scheme, set up by Diabetes UK. Have recently received training, and now looking to really promote this new support network. For the days when your sugar levels won't stay in range, or the days you think "why me", we're hoping the Peer Support Scheme will give people somewhere else to turn to. I myself, get frustrated when no one else seems to understand what I'm going through.

If anyone ever wants to chat, or knows someone who is having a hard time with their diabetes, please feel free to email [email protected].

Oct 26, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

My first proper taste of peer support was through this exact site but it's great to hear that Diabetes UK setup something more specific.

I'm guessing you're a volunteer for the service? What is it like being one?

...on a related note, is it okay for non-diabetic partners to use the service? I do get worried about my fella because he often gets as frustrated as me, especially with how much he helps me thanks to the DAFNE course. It has made it much easier to share my life with him (which I doubt I would have been able to before the course - I do however appreciate the fact he'd probably try and work something out with me anyway).

I'm sure you'll get some contacts! Smile

Best wishes!

Oct 26, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Hello, yes I am a volunteer for Diabetes UK. I'm still in the process of getting set up, as it's been put into control of myself and one other volunteer. There's so much I want to do, I think my head is going to explode with excitement! Razz

The scheme is aimed at absolutely anyone who is affected by diabetes, whether they have it, or they know someone who has it. Sadly, I don't think there is a lot for diabetics' partners, and this needs to change. I really want to get the word out that this scheme is for anyone affected by diabetes, not just us diabetics! I can imagine my boyfriend contacting a scheme such as this, to vent how crazy I drive him, sometimes!

If anyone's on Facebook, there's a group 'Diabetes Peer Support South East' (ignore the south east bit, there really are no limits to who can ask for help!) I will be updating this group with useful information in the upcoming months, regarding where else people can turn to for help.

Oct 28, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I have heard of this and think its a great idea...........

Will be interesting to see how you get on, provided you can discuss some typical scenarios you come across without violating any laws...... Very Happy

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I hope we can muster up a strong support network for us people with diabetes Very Happy

I'm not sure if anyone here is on Twitter, but there's a discussion going on tonight, that I'm hosting. The topic of conversation will be blood glucose meters, their functions and reliability. Anyone who wants to join in, or have a nose at what meters people use, and their thoughts on them, follow 'OurDiabetes' . The chat will be taking place 8-9pm. Very Happy

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

That is great Louise. Smile

While I think of it, Diabetes UK on Google Plus have been doing regular peer support hangouts. Their next one is this evening at 7pm UK time if I remember correctly - talking about diabetics' thoughts on how the condition is represented in the media (mags, tv, online, etc).

I'd imagine it might get a bit heated ^_^;;

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I missed last week's one, JayBee, so I hope to be involved tonight!

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Cool! I've marked myself as a maybe atm. It'll be my first hangout if I do make it. o_o;;

Have fun to all who do join in either events! Smile

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

It's an interesting experience, G+ hangouts!

On that note, does anyone do anything diabetes-related, other than taking part on here? Facebook? Twitter? Local voluntary groups? Please share what you do, it'd be great to get to know you! Very Happy

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I used to do the DAFNE Online twitter feed (the discussion on here is here) before the DAFNE official feed started, and did try to do a Google Plus page but with the restrictions on RSS, it was too time consuming to keep up on a voluntary basis, so I shut it down again. I've had no contact with the FB group since I quit FB before it appeared.

In case any one was having trouble finding it the hangout event is here.

I've heard of a lot of support things in my area, but most of them are for families that have kids with diabetes. Pardon my french, but the options for adult diabetics are pretty crap. I've gone on to Streetlife to try and get an idea if anyone local would be interested in adult diabetic support, but no one replied (got some thumbs up though). Same for on here - nothing materialised (see Norwich meet).

It's pretty sad and I guess I'm kind of jaded after being disappointed so much (I've tried running events for stuff outside diabetes for hobbies too - won't go into that). :/ I do wish you and Diabetes UK all the best with this.

My partner thinks I should really try to join the discussion this evening... see what I get out of it.. is it possible to just sit in and watch if I can make it? That reminds me, I'd best finally get my EyeToy cam set up for doing these hangouts!

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Joined in on the hangout and the twitter feed (signed up again especially in fact).
Was nice to be able to hear other diabetics. A very rare occurrence for me.
I am seriously considering volunteering after the chat... so glad it doesn't matter that I'm a full-time worker!

Oct 30, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

JayBee, that's really great news! What's your twitter name? I was hosting last night's Twitter chat.

I really love the fact that I can volunteer, even though I work full time, too.

Oct 30, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I'm @T1Buta . You came up during the G+ hangout saying you were involved with the twitter chat this evening so I'm already following you. Smile

I look forward to helping out again (just advocating on your own isn't the same - I hope this'll be a more balanced and enjoyable experience from what I've done before)!

Oct 30, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I'm getting a lot of support from the guys at Diabetes UK, so I don't feel like I'm doing this on my own, think I'd have a mental breakdown if I was!

Oct 30, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Looks like I won't be on twitter much. My account has been suspended twice today on spam grounds for having discussions with the D-community and friends. Feel really unwelcome now. Never had anything like this for my old ex-account and the DAFNEOnline ex-account. Very disappointed. Twitter has changed.

Oct 31, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

That's rubbish Sad

We'll just have to bring the online community over to here (only if they've done DAFNE of course Razz

)

Oct 31, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I'll still keep an eye out for the G+ hangouts and get my volunteering form sent off in the meantime. I really don't get what I've done wrong on Twitter, but I will think about what I will now do with the account later today. My hubby wants me to not close it because the interactions have been a good thing for me to do but I do feel torn since I'm not sure what their beef is really.

Edit: http://blog.justunfollow.com/the-rundown-on-why-twitter-accounts-are-suspended/

Appears there is no rhyme or reason to what they consider bad behaviour. This isn't a convincing case for me to bother keeping the account.

Oct 31, 2013

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Can someone please tell me what a 'hangout' is?

Oct 31, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Heya Alan. Smile

A "hangout" is the term used by the Google Plus network for video calls. They also have text chat with the hangout so a microphone isn't necessarily a requirement but it can make it a lot easier to join in the discussion. Having a camera installed isn't required, it'll just show your profile avatar instead.

Diabetes UK's next one is 5th November if I remember correctly. I forget the topic... sorry. Sad

(Looked it up; How do you feel about needles and injections is the topic!)

Edit: here's Google's intro page about them: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

Oct 31, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Update:

Wow, I've been unsuspended. :/ I was expecting it to take 2 weeks!
Sent my volunteering form! Very Happy

Nov 7, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Hi JayBee, did you join the hangout this week? I couldn't make it, will hopefully catch up next week.

Just to let you know, we have now got out site up and running, http://diabetespeersupport.blogspot.co.uk/

We'll be putting up some useful information up in the near future, and there'll be plenty of room for interaction. If anyone has any ideas of what resources you'd like us to provide, please feel free to get in contact! Smile

Nov 8, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I didn't make the hangout but made the #ourD chat near its finish. Will be interesting to read their post chat blog.

I've put forward a discussion idea though I'm very hesitant to be the host because of my account suspension. They said they're happy to host it on my behalf. It'll be about Diabetes and Loved Ones.

Cool about the site. I saw the tweet about it and retweeted it straightaway. Smile

Will post ideas if I have any. Tips on positive self talk would be a good one. Had to do that a lot recently with my dose adjustments causing highs but sometimes you need to walk through the red to get to the green. It can be very challenging when you feel isolated at the same time (which I often do I will admit).

Hope everyone is coping okay.

Nov 8, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Let me know when that Tweetchat is hosted, definitely one I'm interested in!

I noticed you retweeted, thanks!

The whole thing about the peer support scheme that I'm doing, is that no one should feel like they are isolated. I'm amazed every time I post a blog about whatever aspect is 'ruining my life', and I have people telling me they're feeling exactly the same!

Have a good day, everyone. Feel free to email [email protected] if you need to chat.

Nov 8, 2013

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I thought' DAFNE online' was for 'peer support' - you have a problem or a question about your diabetes, you post it in the appropriate Forum and you get lots of useful replies. That's always worked for me.

Nov 8, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

That's true, and it's worked great for me, too. Not everyone wants the world knowing their problems, that's all.

Oct 26, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Just wanted to let you know that I'm now involved in a Peer Support Scheme, set up by Diabetes UK. Have recently received training, and now looking to really promote this new support network. For the days when your sugar levels won't stay in range, or the days you think "why me", we're hoping the Peer Support Scheme will give people somewhere else to turn to. I myself, get frustrated when no one else seems to understand what I'm going through. If anyone ever wants to chat, or knows someone who is having a hard time with their diabetes, please feel free to email [email protected].

Oct 26, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes My first proper taste of peer support was through this exact site but it's great to hear that Diabetes UK setup something more specific. I'm guessing you're a volunteer for the service? What is it like being one? ...on a related note, is it okay for non-diabetic partners to use the service? I do get worried about my fella because he often gets as frustrated as me, especially with how much he helps me thanks to the DAFNE course. It has made it much easier to share my life with him (which I doubt I would have been able to before the course - I do however appreciate the fact he'd probably try and work something out with me anyway). I'm sure you'll get some contacts! Best wishes!

Oct 26, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Hello, yes I am a volunteer for Diabetes UK. I'm still in the process of getting set up, as it's been put into control of myself and one other volunteer. There's so much I want to do, I think my head is going to explode with excitement! The scheme is aimed at absolutely anyone who is affected by diabetes, whether they have it, or they know someone who has it. Sadly, I don't think there is a lot for diabetics' partners, and this needs to change. I really want to get the word out that this scheme is for anyone affected by diabetes, not just us diabetics! I can imagine my boyfriend contacting a scheme such as this, to vent how crazy I drive him, sometimes! If anyone's on Facebook, there's a group 'Diabetes Peer Support South East' (ignore the south east bit, there really are no limits to who can ask for help!) I will be updating this group with useful information in the upcoming months, regarding where else people can turn to for help.

Oct 28, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I have heard of this and think its a great idea........... Will be interesting to see how you get on, provided you can discuss some typical scenarios you come across without violating any laws......

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I hope we can muster up a strong support network for us people with diabetes I'm not sure if anyone here is on Twitter, but there's a discussion going on tonight, that I'm hosting. The topic of conversation will be blood glucose meters, their functions and reliability. Anyone who wants to join in, or have a nose at what meters people use, and their thoughts on them, follow 'OurDiabetes' . The chat will be taking place 8-9pm.

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes That is great Louise. While I think of it, Diabetes UK on Google Plus have been doing regular peer support hangouts. Their next one is this evening at 7pm UK time if I remember correctly - talking about diabetics' thoughts on how the condition is represented in the media (mags, tv, online, etc). I'd imagine it might get a bit heated ^_^;;

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I missed last week's one, JayBee, so I hope to be involved tonight!

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Cool! I've marked myself as a maybe atm. It'll be my first hangout if I do make it. o_o;; Have fun to all who do join in either events!

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes It's an interesting experience, G+ hangouts! On that note, does anyone do anything diabetes-related, other than taking part on here? Facebook? Twitter? Local voluntary groups? Please share what you do, it'd be great to get to know you!

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I used to do the DAFNE Online twitter feed (the discussion on here is here) before the DAFNE official feed started, and did try to do a Google Plus page but with the restrictions on RSS, it was too time consuming to keep up on a voluntary basis, so I shut it down again. I've had no contact with the FB group since I quit FB before it appeared. In case any one was having trouble finding it the hangout event is here. I've heard of a lot of support things in my area, but most of them are for families that have kids with diabetes. Pardon my french, but the options for adult diabetics are pretty crap. I've gone on to Streetlife to try and get an idea if anyone local would be interested in adult diabetic support, but no one replied (got some thumbs up though). Same for on here - nothing materialised (see Norwich meet). It's pretty sad and I guess I'm kind of jaded after being disappointed so much (I've tried running events for stuff outside diabetes for hobbies too - won't go into that). :/ I do wish you and Diabetes UK all the best with this. My partner thinks I should really try to join the discussion this evening... see what I get out of it.. is it possible to just sit in and watch if I can make it? That reminds me, I'd best finally get my EyeToy cam set up for doing these hangouts!

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Joined in on the hangout and the twitter feed (signed up again especially in fact). Was nice to be able to hear other diabetics. A very rare occurrence for me. I am seriously considering volunteering after the chat... so glad it doesn't matter that I'm a full-time worker!

Oct 30, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes JayBee, that's really great news! What's your twitter name? I was hosting last night's Twitter chat. I really love the fact that I can volunteer, even though I work full time, too.

Oct 30, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I'm @T1Buta . You came up during the G+ hangout saying you were involved with the twitter chat this evening so I'm already following you. I look forward to helping out again (just advocating on your own isn't the same - I hope this'll be a more balanced and enjoyable experience from what I've done before)!

Oct 30, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I'm getting a lot of support from the guys at Diabetes UK, so I don't feel like I'm doing this on my own, think I'd have a mental breakdown if I was!

Oct 30, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Looks like I won't be on twitter much. My account has been suspended twice today on spam grounds for having discussions with the D-community and friends. Feel really unwelcome now. Never had anything like this for my old ex-account and the DAFNEOnline ex-account. Very disappointed. Twitter has changed.

Oct 31, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes That's rubbish We'll just have to bring the online community over to here (only if they've done DAFNE of course )

Oct 31, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I'll still keep an eye out for the G+ hangouts and get my volunteering form sent off in the meantime. I really don't get what I've done wrong on Twitter, but I will think about what I will now do with the account later today. My hubby wants me to not close it because the interactions have been a good thing for me to do but I do feel torn since I'm not sure what their beef is really. Edit: http://blog.justunfollow.com/the-rundown-on-why-twitter-accounts-are-suspended/ Appears there is no rhyme or reason to what they consider bad behaviour. This isn't a convincing case for me to bother keeping the account.

Oct 31, 2013 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Can someone please tell me what a 'hangout' is?

Oct 31, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Heya Alan. A "hangout" is the term used by the Google Plus network for video calls. They also have text chat with the hangout so a microphone isn't necessarily a requirement but it can make it a lot easier to join in the discussion. Having a camera installed isn't required, it'll just show your profile avatar instead. Diabetes UK's next one is 5th November if I remember correctly. I forget the topic... sorry. (Looked it up; How do you feel about needles and injections is the topic!) Edit: here's Google's intro page about them: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

Oct 31, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Update: Wow, I've been unsuspended. :/ I was expecting it to take 2 weeks! Sent my volunteering form!

Nov 7, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Hi JayBee, did you join the hangout this week? I couldn't make it, will hopefully catch up next week. Just to let you know, we have now got out site up and running, http://diabetespeersupport.blogspot.co.uk/ We'll be putting up some useful information up in the near future, and there'll be plenty of room for interaction. If anyone has any ideas of what resources you'd like us to provide, please feel free to get in contact!

Nov 8, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I didn't make the hangout but made the #ourD chat near its finish. Will be interesting to read their post chat blog. I've put forward a discussion idea though I'm very hesitant to be the host because of my account suspension. They said they're happy to host it on my behalf. It'll be about Diabetes and Loved Ones. Cool about the site. I saw the tweet about it and retweeted it straightaway. Will post ideas if I have any. Tips on positive self talk would be a good one. Had to do that a lot recently with my dose adjustments causing highs but sometimes you need to walk through the red to get to the green. It can be very challenging when you feel isolated at the same time (which I often do I will admit). Hope everyone is coping okay.

Nov 8, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Let me know when that Tweetchat is hosted, definitely one I'm interested in! I noticed you retweeted, thanks! The whole thing about the peer support scheme that I'm doing, is that no one should feel like they are isolated. I'm amazed every time I post a blog about whatever aspect is 'ruining my life', and I have people telling me they're feeling exactly the same! Have a good day, everyone. Feel free to email [email protected] if you need to chat.

Nov 8, 2013 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I thought' DAFNE online' was for 'peer support' - you have a problem or a question about your diabetes, you post it in the appropriate Forum and you get lots of useful replies. That's always worked for me.

Nov 8, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes That's true, and it's worked great for me, too. Not everyone wants the world knowing their problems, that's all.