Diabetes Blog Week 2014 - Day 4 - Mantras and More

Diabetes Blog Week 2014 - Day 4 - Mantras and More

This week is Diabetes Blog Week.

Each day diabetes bloggers around the world will be writing a blog post on the same topic. You will be able to see who is taking part and what the daily topic is at Bitter Sweet Diabetes.

This is the first year that I have taken part and I've found it extremely challenging. They certainly aren't topics that I would normally choose to tackle, but sometimes it's good to be outside of your comfort zone!

Todays topic: Mantras and More

Yesterday we opened up about how diabetes can bring us down. Today let’s share what gets us through a hard day.  Or more specifically, a hard diabetes day. Is there something positive you tell yourself? Are there mantras that you fall back on to get you through? Is there something specific you do when your mood needs a boost?  Maybe we've done that and we can help others do it too?

My response:

Most probably the easiest topic yet - the #doc!

When you see people struggling with their first cannula change; or they've injected the wrong type of insulin and are unsure how to proceed; or they've just hit a low point because of a constant stream of highs or lows; or they've recevied a HbA1c result they're unhappy with - the list goes on - you see members of the community engage, discuss and help to resolve the issues and concerns. Some even go as far as to ring up and talk people through the process over the phone! It is simply amazing the support people give each other.

Many of these things happen outside "normal" NHS hours, when GPs, practice nurses and DSNs have finished work for the day and you realise that without the #doc many of these people would be presenting at A&E or ringing 111.

It's a community that most probably doesn't realise how strong and powerful it is.

When a community gets behind a cause things tend to happen. Who would have thought that the #ourD community could improve the advice published online by the likes of WebMD and Boots? That's exactly what they did, by challenging the quality of the advice given and providing constructive alternatives ,WebMD and Boots changed their website within days! We shouldn't be ashamed and We shouldn't be ashamed - we aren't now! shows how that happened.
Every time I read this article I feel proud to be part of a #doc that helped make positive changes, change that will make a difference.

As a community we could come together and create even more positive change - now that's some carb free food for thought!