Emah
Member
- Messages
- 10
- Location
- East Midlands
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Dislikes
- Red tape organisations that procrastinate about everything and hinder others getting on as a consequence. People who enjoy constantly picking at others instead of making the most of their own life or not taking action/responsibility to change matters in the best way possible. Basically those that don't understand projection and so always blame other’s, pick at others and project their own insecurities/ bad experiences onto others – life’s too short and it doesn’t have to be that way.
Hi everyone,
I know many people have filled in my questionnaire about your own experiences and opinions in living with diabetes and they have all proved extremely valuable, so thank you so much.
I thought as you’ve shared these with me, although I’m doing the actual research, I also play a big part in this personally too (the main experiment – psychologically and physically!), I therefore thought it was only fair and that you might find it interesting to review my personal answers too so you have something to compare yours with. If so here they are. . .
Many people also mentioned to me that they found the questions interesting and thought provoking so if anyone else would like to offer their help in partaking in this questionnaire (whether T1 or T2), you’re more than welcome and I’d be really grateful – if you feel you are able to contribute too, please just PM me and I can send you the link over to do it easily on-line. It’s all confidential too (well yours are!).
It’s all for a good cause to improve the treatment of diabetes – I promise!
Diabetes Research Survey – my personal answers… (all in purple Italic)
1. How long have you had diabetes and what type of diabetes specifically e.g. T1,T2 or Other?
T1 for 20yrs
2. What month were you diagnosed and in what circumstances? (e.g had you been unwell for some time or just moved countries, schools, home or even as a result of something like a car accident etc.)
I was diagnosed in June - age 10, just one year to the month after a tragic,
Sudden family shock.
I had a run of all the usual symptoms beforehand, esp. weight gain then weight loss, however this was thought to be ‘puppy fat’ – despite me feeling very uncomfortable, than it was a suspected eating disorder... I was continually vomiting, thirsty, passing water, fatigue etc. but unfortunately for me the GP just put this down to a virus so I eventually reached the stage of lapsing in and out of consciousness with severe stomach cramps – then rushed to A&E and diagnosed with diabetes by paediatrics (I was lucky there - they knew basic medicine)
3. What is your medication regime (type and dosage/duration)?
Novo Rapid insulin - 3 - 4 units, 8 times per day.
4. What was your last HbA1C (3 monthly average blood sugar) or your average capillary blood sugars taken (day to day readings)?
6.3 % HbA1C and generally 4-8 bg give or take a little either side
5. How would you rate your overall control (0-10) Please circle on the scale :
10 0
Excellent Good Average Challenging Extremely Challenging
8 - I do the best I can at that time but I have a specific goal to make it a 10 for me.
6. Do you ever feel labelled as a diabetic? If so please would you mind briefly stating why, how and by whom (This question comes from personal experience - but please feel free to fully reject this if it does not apply)
I think this comes from living with the condition for 20 yrs that the answer is ‘YES’ as I've had many experiences. This was more so as a child, esp. from teachers and other parents - I do have many stories but here's just one - I had a hypo when I was 10 so pretty new to it all and it was dealt with but the next day the teacher told everyone I was a 'diabetic' and ‘diabetics do that because they are ‘possessed’ (I can think of kids who acted like they were possessed but I didn’t think I was one of them!
).
Other than that I guess HCP’s are a continued culprit - I was once at an eye appointment (for retinopathy) and a nurse asked if I was ‘diabetic’ (knowing why I’m there) and then proceeded to get out a big red stamp labelled 'diabetic' and stamped it with an abrupt hand across my notes. This is also done every single time – so I felt literally ‘labelled’ that time.
I have been introduced as 'Emma, she’s diabetic' before, I was once found to be on a mailing list for specific 'diabetic holidays' for kids (nothing to do with my parents either) and many more examples, so I guess my experiences have contributed to an awareness of this.
However throughout my adult life I chosen to reject any labelling and if it is ever relevant - I have diabetes, other than that I'm 'Em – a person' not 'Em the diabetic' and if someone was to suggest otherwise they will soon be made very aware.
7. Have you ever been told or led to believe that ‘once a diabetic, always a diabetic therefore you have to just manage it the best you can’?
Unfortunately yes but I have never chosen to just accept this simple belief - the world would never move forward if everyone was of such a view; but I can understand why many people would be of this view. Either way, managing it the best you can will always help whatever options are available. On that note I don’t think a forward thinking, positive outlook hurts anyone.
8. What are your general thoughts, opinions, views and feelings about having diabetes as well as being stuck with it (if you think that)? Please feel free to continue over leaf if necessary.
Whilst I've always just got on with it and managed in the best way possible, inevitably I've had many challenges and up and downs with it so during these times – I’ve probably experienced every emotion going – relief, resentment, frustration, anger, loneliness, mis-understood, apathy ... la la la.
However I am still grateful that I have a good understanding about general health, I know how things affects me so in that respect I can look after my health more, I can empathise with many challenges people go through and above all by having it I believe I can do something about it, help and understand others hence I don't believe I'm stuck with it. I think everything and anything is possible and It is only when one chooses to stop believing that anything is possible, It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy – it can also project negatively onto others too. I've never been into limiting beliefs so diabetes will never change that! I do my best to let diabetes and limiting beliefs about it – inspire me instead.
9. What would you say or feel about there being a way to reverse your diabetes but it didn’t involve traditional medication or invasive procedures? Would this sound appealing to you? (Given it’s not a false media claim or no ill side effects, it just required some focus from yourself)
I would feel this is excellent, exciting news - given reading the above carefully. I would be very interested and if I found it logical and plausible - count me in. This would be very appealing to me - I think I'd be mad if not!
10. What do you find is personally the most challenging aspect of having diabetes? (if indeed any, so please feel free to reject this question if it doesn’t apply)
That would be a different answer for many different periods of my life. To sum up though - never having a day off – I’d have got less for murder or fraud! (only joking of course)
11. What other aspects of the condition do you find inconvenient (if any)? (e.g anything from the effects of insulin and diets to higher insurance or doctor’s visits etc.)
This really depend what I’m up to – I do find hospital appointments monotonous and often to no avail though.
12. Are there any points about having the condition that you like or wouldn’t want to let go of? (e.g any special attention, perks or privileges – jumping lunch queues at school or on flights/medical waiting lists, standing out from the crowd or having more medical knowledge than most, compassionate understanding of others, it resulting in you being more organised and efficient individual, being in the ‘priority club’ for flu vaccinations etc.)
I like the understanding I have and ability to change something I might otherwise have little understanding of. Otherwise it can all be let go of thank you! Jumping the school lunch queue was fun though (especially as I didn't really need too) - I better stop any other double gain stories there actually before I get myself in trouble!
13. What age were you when you were diagnosed?
10 years (just)
14. What was the most challenging part you found about your diagnosis?
That I couldn't go on the school residential trip that I'd been saving a sweet stash for - guttered! Injections never bothered me but then I discovered I had to have regular check up's at the hospital which I found monotonous and always have - from a very early age I was a very independent thinker so say no more… people still get told how great slow releasing carbs are for 'diabetics' yawn! and as far as ‘DAFNE’ is concerned – it only took them well over a decade to finally figure that one.
Do you experience any complications of the condition, please state if so?
Unfortunately – retinopathy
15. If you do have any complications, how do you feel about the complications you have and do you feel you just have to accept this as a part of having diabetes?
At first I felt shocked, then very P'd off and moreover it was put to me in a very harsh, definite, bleak and to be honest, very depressing manner - I was gutted! After feeling this way for a couple of days I soon got over it and began to look towards what I could do about it and this is purely what I focus on as there is quite a lot I can do and therefore do which I've discovered myself. I certainly don't and won't accept it’s just something I have to accept as part of having diabetes. The second I accept this, for me personally it will mean I have become so apathetic, given into common beliefs and given up. What you deep down believe about yourself, you tend to become so I make sure all my beliefs are healthy.
16. Do you have any allergies/intolerances e.g Milk or Gluten etc?
I used to be intolerant of gluten.
17. If you know, as a new born, were you breast fed or formula fed?
Breast Fed
18. If you were breast fed and if you were to know, approximately how long was this for e.g More or less than 3 months?
About 4 months
19. Do you have any other conditions (not necessarily related to diabetes)? If so, please can you state the condition and whether this was before or after your diabetes diagnosis?
Yes – I have Wilson’s disease, this is where the body is unable to naturally extract copper. Eventually if not treated the copper builds up and poisons the body leading to a host of undesirable symptoms including mental and physical degeneration and eventually middle aged death. However – thanks to diabetes spiralling out of control – this rare genetic condition was detected when I was 19. I have however managed to dramatically reduce my medication for this and all is well controlled thank goodness.
20. At your time of diagnosis or even several years prior to this, did you experience any traumatic events, shock, loss or bereavements or any form of negative emotion? If so, if possible please could you give an overview of this and the specific emotions involved.
As above - very traumatic loss - sudden shock, severe sadness - dramatic change, I was 8/9 years old.
21. In your opinion, what was the cause of your diabetes (if you have one)?
Exactly the above – emotional shock and sadness, relating to a weakened immune system thus susceptible to a virus possibly leading to diabetes. Also any sudden shock can result in organs closing down. I have always linked the above to the cause. I’ve never blamed this though but I know my own emotions were the cause that led to the knock on events arriving at diabetes.
22. What is the opinion of your physicians about the cause of your diabetes? (if they have one)
No virus was specifically isolated or detected in me but was always a possibility and the above is all plausible (others don't know - bemused)
23. Have you ever experienced depression or low mood as a consequence of diabetes?
Yep - I've had it too long not to though this arose out of feeling Torn about certain life events so as a consequence my diabetes took an inevitable brunt and so the cycle ensued as I was then depressed about the effects of that. I think diabetes on top of depression whether it is about diabetes or not, is really hammering the extra nail in and it can be very over looked from a professional point of view.
24. Have you ever experienced significant depression before having diabetes?
No as I was too young – I was just very shocked and saddened the time described. I was a very perceptive and sensitive child but I was always happy and fun wherever possible.
** Please strongly reject this next question if it hopefully does not apply **
25. Have you ever used your diabetes to self-harm or punish others eg. Over eat, under eat, not inject etc?
In-directly at the time as I neglected myself due to other areas of my life being unhappy.
26. What emotion or emotions would you connect with having diabetes? (e.g anger, sadness, bitter, fear hurt, guilt, depression, love, joy, happiness etc.)
Sadness and shock in terms of the condition itself but actually having it I’d say every emotion going throughout 20yrs – however now I would say I’m indifferent but I’m happy and grateful I have had a great understanding of the condition and also the fact it helped to diagnose Wilson’s disease which could have proved fatal otherwise as it is very challenging to diagnose until it is too late.
27. Do you see or feel your diabetes is a part of you or just you altogether as a person?
It used to be a part of me, now I see it as how I’m functioning at the moment as a whole - therefore not a distinct part but functions within me as a whole a bit like my other organs.
28. Do you ever feel your management of diabetes is being judged by professionals, family or friends and do you ever feel a pressure to have perfect control?
I feel it is judged as boxes are ticked and criteria met, graphs are made and so on by HCP’s. Family and friends generally trust and leave me to it (luckily but certainly that hasn’t always been the case) and I don't feel a pressure other than to do what is right and perfect for me and my health - If I'm happy, my health is good and I suspect people know me better than to judge.
29. Do you feel you have a good support network as in family, friends and professional health care team? How could this be better/ what makes it good?
I am grateful I'm pretty independent in my thinking and do what I need to do. However my partner is an amazing support - like another version of myself because I have always communicated everything to him. Others don't really tend to come into it. A real attempt to associate into and appreciate fully what having diabetes actually involves though from all angles wouldn't go a miss from many people in order to improve support. I guess I’d say the same for any condition though as I don’t see enough understanding and consideration for others in the world, but that’s just me- I think too much.
30. Do you ever feel misunderstood or that any of your professional health care team don’t always appreciate what it is like to live daily with the condition?
YES - one day hopefully I will be understood, I just hope it's not when it’s too late for me to see it. I think differently so some get it and some don't - such is life I think.
31. If you could change one thing about having diabetes – what would it be?
The added 24/7 responsibility - a day off would be great
32. If you could change anything about the way your diabetes is treated what would it be?
I'm a big believer in personal autonomy and being responsible for my own health (if individuals want to be) and whilst I do this - it would be great not to have to put my case forward for this all the time until it’s understood and I’m understood.
33. Does diabetes stop you from doing anything you would like to? (e.g any hobbies, sports, career or day to day life)
NO - Luckily my work is not restricted by any laws regarding diabetes and my hobbies thankfully have never included flying a jet. My sister however works as cabin crew on flights and I know I am not legally allowed to do that job just like quite a few other occupations are actually restricted. If I did want to do anything though – I would campaign for change within reason.
34. Do you find it useful having others to talk to who share your condition and if so how does it help?
Yes, it's nice to get other peoples take on the condition, hear about different experiences and see how others feel - it's always helpful to have a good support network in any situation.
Well that’s my answers so you can gage my perspective on things. I’m really grateful for anyones help if you would like to email me to take the questionnaire too. Just PM me and I’ll send you the direct link.
Have a good weekend, thanks again for your help
Take care
Em x
I know many people have filled in my questionnaire about your own experiences and opinions in living with diabetes and they have all proved extremely valuable, so thank you so much.
I thought as you’ve shared these with me, although I’m doing the actual research, I also play a big part in this personally too (the main experiment – psychologically and physically!), I therefore thought it was only fair and that you might find it interesting to review my personal answers too so you have something to compare yours with. If so here they are. . .
Many people also mentioned to me that they found the questions interesting and thought provoking so if anyone else would like to offer their help in partaking in this questionnaire (whether T1 or T2), you’re more than welcome and I’d be really grateful – if you feel you are able to contribute too, please just PM me and I can send you the link over to do it easily on-line. It’s all confidential too (well yours are!).
It’s all for a good cause to improve the treatment of diabetes – I promise!
Diabetes Research Survey – my personal answers… (all in purple Italic)
1. How long have you had diabetes and what type of diabetes specifically e.g. T1,T2 or Other?
T1 for 20yrs
2. What month were you diagnosed and in what circumstances? (e.g had you been unwell for some time or just moved countries, schools, home or even as a result of something like a car accident etc.)
I was diagnosed in June - age 10, just one year to the month after a tragic,
Sudden family shock.
I had a run of all the usual symptoms beforehand, esp. weight gain then weight loss, however this was thought to be ‘puppy fat’ – despite me feeling very uncomfortable, than it was a suspected eating disorder... I was continually vomiting, thirsty, passing water, fatigue etc. but unfortunately for me the GP just put this down to a virus so I eventually reached the stage of lapsing in and out of consciousness with severe stomach cramps – then rushed to A&E and diagnosed with diabetes by paediatrics (I was lucky there - they knew basic medicine)
3. What is your medication regime (type and dosage/duration)?
Novo Rapid insulin - 3 - 4 units, 8 times per day.
4. What was your last HbA1C (3 monthly average blood sugar) or your average capillary blood sugars taken (day to day readings)?
6.3 % HbA1C and generally 4-8 bg give or take a little either side
5. How would you rate your overall control (0-10) Please circle on the scale :
10 0
Excellent Good Average Challenging Extremely Challenging
8 - I do the best I can at that time but I have a specific goal to make it a 10 for me.
6. Do you ever feel labelled as a diabetic? If so please would you mind briefly stating why, how and by whom (This question comes from personal experience - but please feel free to fully reject this if it does not apply)
I think this comes from living with the condition for 20 yrs that the answer is ‘YES’ as I've had many experiences. This was more so as a child, esp. from teachers and other parents - I do have many stories but here's just one - I had a hypo when I was 10 so pretty new to it all and it was dealt with but the next day the teacher told everyone I was a 'diabetic' and ‘diabetics do that because they are ‘possessed’ (I can think of kids who acted like they were possessed but I didn’t think I was one of them!
). Other than that I guess HCP’s are a continued culprit - I was once at an eye appointment (for retinopathy) and a nurse asked if I was ‘diabetic’ (knowing why I’m there) and then proceeded to get out a big red stamp labelled 'diabetic' and stamped it with an abrupt hand across my notes. This is also done every single time – so I felt literally ‘labelled’ that time.
I have been introduced as 'Emma, she’s diabetic' before, I was once found to be on a mailing list for specific 'diabetic holidays' for kids (nothing to do with my parents either) and many more examples, so I guess my experiences have contributed to an awareness of this.
However throughout my adult life I chosen to reject any labelling and if it is ever relevant - I have diabetes, other than that I'm 'Em – a person' not 'Em the diabetic' and if someone was to suggest otherwise they will soon be made very aware.
7. Have you ever been told or led to believe that ‘once a diabetic, always a diabetic therefore you have to just manage it the best you can’?
Unfortunately yes but I have never chosen to just accept this simple belief - the world would never move forward if everyone was of such a view; but I can understand why many people would be of this view. Either way, managing it the best you can will always help whatever options are available. On that note I don’t think a forward thinking, positive outlook hurts anyone.
8. What are your general thoughts, opinions, views and feelings about having diabetes as well as being stuck with it (if you think that)? Please feel free to continue over leaf if necessary.
Whilst I've always just got on with it and managed in the best way possible, inevitably I've had many challenges and up and downs with it so during these times – I’ve probably experienced every emotion going – relief, resentment, frustration, anger, loneliness, mis-understood, apathy ... la la la.
However I am still grateful that I have a good understanding about general health, I know how things affects me so in that respect I can look after my health more, I can empathise with many challenges people go through and above all by having it I believe I can do something about it, help and understand others hence I don't believe I'm stuck with it. I think everything and anything is possible and It is only when one chooses to stop believing that anything is possible, It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy – it can also project negatively onto others too. I've never been into limiting beliefs so diabetes will never change that! I do my best to let diabetes and limiting beliefs about it – inspire me instead.
9. What would you say or feel about there being a way to reverse your diabetes but it didn’t involve traditional medication or invasive procedures? Would this sound appealing to you? (Given it’s not a false media claim or no ill side effects, it just required some focus from yourself)
I would feel this is excellent, exciting news - given reading the above carefully. I would be very interested and if I found it logical and plausible - count me in. This would be very appealing to me - I think I'd be mad if not!
10. What do you find is personally the most challenging aspect of having diabetes? (if indeed any, so please feel free to reject this question if it doesn’t apply)
That would be a different answer for many different periods of my life. To sum up though - never having a day off – I’d have got less for murder or fraud! (only joking of course)
11. What other aspects of the condition do you find inconvenient (if any)? (e.g anything from the effects of insulin and diets to higher insurance or doctor’s visits etc.)
This really depend what I’m up to – I do find hospital appointments monotonous and often to no avail though.
12. Are there any points about having the condition that you like or wouldn’t want to let go of? (e.g any special attention, perks or privileges – jumping lunch queues at school or on flights/medical waiting lists, standing out from the crowd or having more medical knowledge than most, compassionate understanding of others, it resulting in you being more organised and efficient individual, being in the ‘priority club’ for flu vaccinations etc.)
I like the understanding I have and ability to change something I might otherwise have little understanding of. Otherwise it can all be let go of thank you! Jumping the school lunch queue was fun though (especially as I didn't really need too) - I better stop any other double gain stories there actually before I get myself in trouble!
13. What age were you when you were diagnosed?
10 years (just)
14. What was the most challenging part you found about your diagnosis?
That I couldn't go on the school residential trip that I'd been saving a sweet stash for - guttered! Injections never bothered me but then I discovered I had to have regular check up's at the hospital which I found monotonous and always have - from a very early age I was a very independent thinker so say no more… people still get told how great slow releasing carbs are for 'diabetics' yawn! and as far as ‘DAFNE’ is concerned – it only took them well over a decade to finally figure that one.
Do you experience any complications of the condition, please state if so?
Unfortunately – retinopathy
15. If you do have any complications, how do you feel about the complications you have and do you feel you just have to accept this as a part of having diabetes?
At first I felt shocked, then very P'd off and moreover it was put to me in a very harsh, definite, bleak and to be honest, very depressing manner - I was gutted! After feeling this way for a couple of days I soon got over it and began to look towards what I could do about it and this is purely what I focus on as there is quite a lot I can do and therefore do which I've discovered myself. I certainly don't and won't accept it’s just something I have to accept as part of having diabetes. The second I accept this, for me personally it will mean I have become so apathetic, given into common beliefs and given up. What you deep down believe about yourself, you tend to become so I make sure all my beliefs are healthy.
16. Do you have any allergies/intolerances e.g Milk or Gluten etc?
I used to be intolerant of gluten.
17. If you know, as a new born, were you breast fed or formula fed?
Breast Fed
18. If you were breast fed and if you were to know, approximately how long was this for e.g More or less than 3 months?
About 4 months
19. Do you have any other conditions (not necessarily related to diabetes)? If so, please can you state the condition and whether this was before or after your diabetes diagnosis?
Yes – I have Wilson’s disease, this is where the body is unable to naturally extract copper. Eventually if not treated the copper builds up and poisons the body leading to a host of undesirable symptoms including mental and physical degeneration and eventually middle aged death. However – thanks to diabetes spiralling out of control – this rare genetic condition was detected when I was 19. I have however managed to dramatically reduce my medication for this and all is well controlled thank goodness.
20. At your time of diagnosis or even several years prior to this, did you experience any traumatic events, shock, loss or bereavements or any form of negative emotion? If so, if possible please could you give an overview of this and the specific emotions involved.
As above - very traumatic loss - sudden shock, severe sadness - dramatic change, I was 8/9 years old.
21. In your opinion, what was the cause of your diabetes (if you have one)?
Exactly the above – emotional shock and sadness, relating to a weakened immune system thus susceptible to a virus possibly leading to diabetes. Also any sudden shock can result in organs closing down. I have always linked the above to the cause. I’ve never blamed this though but I know my own emotions were the cause that led to the knock on events arriving at diabetes.
22. What is the opinion of your physicians about the cause of your diabetes? (if they have one)
No virus was specifically isolated or detected in me but was always a possibility and the above is all plausible (others don't know - bemused)
23. Have you ever experienced depression or low mood as a consequence of diabetes?
Yep - I've had it too long not to though this arose out of feeling Torn about certain life events so as a consequence my diabetes took an inevitable brunt and so the cycle ensued as I was then depressed about the effects of that. I think diabetes on top of depression whether it is about diabetes or not, is really hammering the extra nail in and it can be very over looked from a professional point of view.
24. Have you ever experienced significant depression before having diabetes?
No as I was too young – I was just very shocked and saddened the time described. I was a very perceptive and sensitive child but I was always happy and fun wherever possible.
** Please strongly reject this next question if it hopefully does not apply **
25. Have you ever used your diabetes to self-harm or punish others eg. Over eat, under eat, not inject etc?
In-directly at the time as I neglected myself due to other areas of my life being unhappy.
26. What emotion or emotions would you connect with having diabetes? (e.g anger, sadness, bitter, fear hurt, guilt, depression, love, joy, happiness etc.)
Sadness and shock in terms of the condition itself but actually having it I’d say every emotion going throughout 20yrs – however now I would say I’m indifferent but I’m happy and grateful I have had a great understanding of the condition and also the fact it helped to diagnose Wilson’s disease which could have proved fatal otherwise as it is very challenging to diagnose until it is too late.
27. Do you see or feel your diabetes is a part of you or just you altogether as a person?
It used to be a part of me, now I see it as how I’m functioning at the moment as a whole - therefore not a distinct part but functions within me as a whole a bit like my other organs.
28. Do you ever feel your management of diabetes is being judged by professionals, family or friends and do you ever feel a pressure to have perfect control?
I feel it is judged as boxes are ticked and criteria met, graphs are made and so on by HCP’s. Family and friends generally trust and leave me to it (luckily but certainly that hasn’t always been the case) and I don't feel a pressure other than to do what is right and perfect for me and my health - If I'm happy, my health is good and I suspect people know me better than to judge.
29. Do you feel you have a good support network as in family, friends and professional health care team? How could this be better/ what makes it good?
I am grateful I'm pretty independent in my thinking and do what I need to do. However my partner is an amazing support - like another version of myself because I have always communicated everything to him. Others don't really tend to come into it. A real attempt to associate into and appreciate fully what having diabetes actually involves though from all angles wouldn't go a miss from many people in order to improve support. I guess I’d say the same for any condition though as I don’t see enough understanding and consideration for others in the world, but that’s just me- I think too much.
30. Do you ever feel misunderstood or that any of your professional health care team don’t always appreciate what it is like to live daily with the condition?
YES - one day hopefully I will be understood, I just hope it's not when it’s too late for me to see it. I think differently so some get it and some don't - such is life I think.
31. If you could change one thing about having diabetes – what would it be?
The added 24/7 responsibility - a day off would be great
32. If you could change anything about the way your diabetes is treated what would it be?
I'm a big believer in personal autonomy and being responsible for my own health (if individuals want to be) and whilst I do this - it would be great not to have to put my case forward for this all the time until it’s understood and I’m understood.
33. Does diabetes stop you from doing anything you would like to? (e.g any hobbies, sports, career or day to day life)
NO - Luckily my work is not restricted by any laws regarding diabetes and my hobbies thankfully have never included flying a jet. My sister however works as cabin crew on flights and I know I am not legally allowed to do that job just like quite a few other occupations are actually restricted. If I did want to do anything though – I would campaign for change within reason.
34. Do you find it useful having others to talk to who share your condition and if so how does it help?
Yes, it's nice to get other peoples take on the condition, hear about different experiences and see how others feel - it's always helpful to have a good support network in any situation.
Well that’s my answers so you can gage my perspective on things. I’m really grateful for anyones help if you would like to email me to take the questionnaire too. Just PM me and I’ll send you the direct link.
Have a good weekend, thanks again for your help
Take care
Em x
