Yesterday i attended my first diabetics meeting at the local Tesco superstore (free room for community meetings). These are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. My DN told me about them when I asked how I could share my knowledge gained since diagnosis and maybe/hopefully help others. I went in armed with my inspirational stories booklet, low carb what to eat booklet, blood glucose testing, 1936 diabetic LCHF advice and 100 stone lost sheet amongst various other bits and bats. Including me there were 12 people attending. Doreen the chair welcomed me.
On the table there were 4 plates of biscuits, rich tea and chocolate digestives. Most I could see were happily tucking in without a care in the world. I wasn't surprised and took it in my stride. Coffee or tea was offered but I declined. Declined the biccies too!
Doreen asked everyone to introduce themselves. First names only given. No further info at this point. She spoke firstly about smoke alarms and getting them checked, informed us about the fire station open day 25th Oct. Then invited John up who did a short talk about the CAB (now known just as CA), he was a volunteer and he spoke about the services provided, how they are funded, hours open etc. He is non diabetic but comes with his wife Rita to support her.
Then Doreen asked the 2 newbies to tell us their stories. I summed my journey up in less than 5 minutes. It got a very positive response. Everyone began discussing their meds - all present were t2d, BS testing (or not as the case was for most!) And their woe (Not low carb as all seemed to be following GP advice ie eat everything, cut down on sugar, low fat, low cal). I heard how many of their HbA1c levels were going up not down. They were trying different insulins to try and gain control. Many were t2d on insulin. Many had other complications. Lots discussed their neuropathy that was causing them a great deal of pain in their fingers and toes and for one lady 'all body'. Eyesight issues, heart problems. Also how little help or support they got from their hcp's.
The other newbie also had a story to tell. She was months going to her gp surgery seeing various Drs about tiredness, pins and needles, excessive urination, thirst. Nobody had mentioned to her she was diabetic. She had her last gp appointment and the gp said ' well you aren't controlling your diabetes very well'. I haven't even been told I have diabetes was her reply! She was shocked and mad. She immediately went on a plant based diet. Her HbA1c has gone from 87 to 43 within 3 months. She still has terrible pins and needles. She realises now she has had diabetes for years. The symptoms have been present for years.
These 12 people are from surgeries across Blackpool and Fylde Coast. Just 12 diabetics attending from so many surgeries. (Sigh). All, apart from one slim lady, I noticed were incredibly overweight.
It seems that diabetes.org.uk are behind these meetings. Doreen does a monthly raffle. Proceeds go to diabetes.org.uk but the diabetics get a say on where the money is spent (usually research) about £2k a year raised.
I explained the difference between dcuk and .org (without offending).
Everyone said they had found my intro very interesting. So I offered to do a talk as John had done earlier. Doreen was delighted and said November but as its my wedding anniversary on 21st and I wasn't sure if I would be around I said how about December but that will be a Christmas meal out for everyone. So we agreed on 3rd Wednesday in January. This gives me plenty of time to plan, prepare and spread the word locally. Hoping to get more than 12 there.
Doreen would like more members. So would I! I'm thinking of a plan.
Here's my plan so far from tonight's lack of sleep!
Contact my DNs to see where they are up to re passing all the info I dropped off around all the hcp's at the 2 surgeries. They did invite me to a clinical meeting to discuss the info so I'm going to try and pin them down to a date.
I'm going to write a 1 page advert for the talk I'm going to do 3rd week in January. (
@xfieldok I would love your help and support if you are free as you are quite local and it would be good to catch up again, we could do a team presentation).
This 1 page advert I'm going to get into as many local surgeries as possible (starting with mine) to let them know 1) there is a monthly diabetics meeting and the details and 2) brief details about my talk mentioning how I've not only lost a lot of weight but also put my diabetes into remission/reversed/ controlled. I will probably run with 'reversed' as it will capture their attention and I may get more attending (I know I know)! It's all about helping others find a way that might work better for them. A healthier way to live. Giving them an alternative to the advice given that ensures the disease is progressive. It doesn't have to be. That said I'm not going to come over as a Dr I'm just going to tell about my journey and emphasise that the LCHF woe isn't for everyone especially if other health issues present.
I'm going to give out lots of info. And of course direct them to DCUK for further info.
I'm also going to ask DCUK where they are up to with linking our Birmingham docs/videos etc to the site and on their social media sites. And whether they have managed to get us a slot with Holly and Phil on that breakfast sofa yet!!! I live in hope.
And now I'm going to try and get some sleep. Night or morning folks as the case may be.
