Like more than 244,000 people in Scotland, Joy Iheobi has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Despite the prevalence of the condition, it is very misunderstood with a number of myths and misconceptions. This Diabetes Week, the charity Diabetes UK is ‘Setting the Record Straight’ and supporters will be focusing on educating the public about what it’s actually like to live with diabetes every day.
Joy said: “A common myth is that Type 2 diabetes is a ‘mild’ form of the condition. This is false as there are no ‘mild’ forms of diabetes. Diabetes is serious and complex. If people are not supported to manage their condition well they are at risk of developing a number of life-limiting complications including lower limb amputation, blindness, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
“It’s really important that people who are living with diabetes get the support they need to live well. That support should come from their healthcare team, with the delivery of the 15 healthcare essentials that everyone with diabetes is entitled to, but it’s also ideal to get a larger support network with other people who are living with the condition that you can talk to about any challenges you’re facing.”
Joy recognised the need for peer support in the city after she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes two years ago. After diagnosis, Joy endeavoured to make lifestyle changes including eating a healthier diet and getting more active in order to manage her condition well but she longed to speak to other people who were going through the same experiences.
Joy said: “When I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes I knew it was important to make some lifestyle changes to better manage my condition but it was quite overwhelming and I worried about how I would cope. As the days and weeks went by, I wished I had someone I could chat to or a group I could meet to talk through my concerns and get some advice. My GP and diabetes healthcare team were very helpful but I wanted to speak to other people who were in the same situation and sought out a support group I could join.
“When I couldn’t find a diabetes support group for adults in Aberdeen, my friend and fellow Diabetes Scotland volunteer, Dave, and I thought we should pioneer the launch of a support group and invite all affected by diabetes in the area to join us.
“Diabetes Scotland has been a great support to us. We have already volunteered with them and have met other fantastic volunteers from across Scotland who have inspired and supported us in our ambition. I’m delighted that the group is now up and running and we are organising monthly meetings.”
The next meeting of the Aberdeen Adult Diabetes Support Group is taking place on Saturday, July 16, at Shell Woodbank House, Cults, North Deeside Road, Aberdeen.
Anyone who is affected by diabetes is welcome to come along for a cup of tea, meet other people living with diabetes and find out how the group can offer support. Attendance is free and no reservation is required.
Joy said: “Our new group meets monthly in Aberdeen to provide information and offer support to members with health talks, wellbeing and health promotion activities, and the chance to speak to others who really understand what it’s like to live with diabetes. We will also plan social events, outings and fundraising activities and seek to raise awareness in the community about the condition.
“I’m also very passionate about campaigning to improve local diabetes services to ensure that everyone who is living with the condition get the right care and support. The number of people living with diabetes in Scotland rises every year so it’s essential that we all work together to make sure that everyone no matter where they live, their age, ethnicity or what type of diabetes they have, is given the best care and diabetes education to manage their condition well.”
As part of Diabetes UK, Diabetes Scotland is the leading charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of people with diabetes. There are more than 276,000 people with diabetes in Scotland, including 27,000 in Grampian. A further 500,000 people across Scotland are considered at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
For further information about the Aberdeen Diabetes Support Group meetings – the next one is taking place on Saturday, July 16 – please contact Dave Curry (Chairman) at 07799136459 or email d.curry310@btinternet
If you have a question about living with diabetes you can contact Diabetes Scotland’s Helpline on 0141 212 8710 or helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.uk for information and support.
For further information on diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.uk