Diabetes Discussions - A Diabetes UK Podcast

Christmas is a time to enjoy yourself. And when it comes to the festive period, and especially Christmas Day, this is a time not to be too hard on yourself when it comes to diabetes.  In this seasonal episode Jack Woodfield from our content team is joined by Jay James and Catherine Brannigan to discuss the highs and lows of living with diabetes at Christmas.  Jay is the lead singer of vocal harmony group The Overtones. His son Franklin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2022, aged 3. Catherine works in finance and lives in Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in April 2022. If you are affected by the topics discussed in this episode then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk   You can also learn more at diabetes.org.uk:   Our top recipes and tips for living with diabetes at Christmas Alcohol and diabetes Use our recipe finder for healthier Christmas recipes What are the 4Ts diabetes symptoms? Buy Carbs & Cals at the Diabetes UK Shop Plus, listen now to the Overtones’ Christmas single, Christmas Everyday, and read about Jay’s charity My Diabetes Story which is supporting Diabetes UK.  The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.  Presenter - Jack Woodfield  Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content  If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk  Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  

In this special World Diabetes Day 2023 episode Jack Woodfield from our content team is joined by Dr. Lucy Chambers and Claire Gallagher.  Lucy, our Head of Research Communications, who lives with type 1 diabetes, tells us about the history of diabetes research and discusses the new T1DRA screening programme. And Claire, who also lives with type 1 diabetes, talks about why she wants her sons to be screened for type 1 in the ELSA trial that recently opened in Northern Ireland.  If you are affected by the topics discussed in this episode then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk. You can also learn more about our research at diabetes.org.uk:   What is DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis)? Our research impact T1DCAT and local support groups Type 2 diabetes remission and the DiRECT and NEWDAWN studies What is the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge? How immunotherapies work The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.  If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk Presenter - Jack Woodfield. Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content. Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Getting enough sleep is important for our health and wellbeing, but getting a good night’s rest can be easier said than done for people living with or affected by diabetes.    In this episode, Jack Woodfield from our content team is joined by Iain Dale and Nina Wadia OBE, to discuss diabetes and sleep, as well as the many ways living with diabetes can be life-changing, from food to technology to how it can impact our jobs.   Nina is an award-winning actress and comedian whose son, Aidan, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2017 at the age of ten. She tells us how the family’s sleep routines were disrupted following Aidan’s diagnosis and how access to tech eventually helped.  Iain is an award-winning broadcaster, author, podcast host and political commentator who has worked for the radio station LBC since 2010. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007. He shares how his busy lifestyle, often working shifts, can affect his diabetes and shares the tricks he uses to ensure he gets enough sleep.  If you are affected by the topics discussed in this episode then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk      You can also learn more about sleep and living with diabetes at diabetes.org.uk:    Insomnia could play direct role in causing type 2 diabetes Sleep and diabetes Coping with caring for a child with type 1 diabetes How the FreeStyle Libre works Injecting insulin Diabetes technology eligibility in the UK The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.    Presenter - Jack Woodfield  Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content   If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk   Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  

Stigma can take many forms – from myths and misconceptions about diabetes to negative behaviour towards those living with the condition, and it can have a serious impact on people’s overall health and wellbeing.  In this episode, Jack Woodfield from our Content and News team is joined by Jim Crossland and Nicki Hornby.   Jim is 24 and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2. He talks candidly about some of his experiences growing up which left him feeling ‘different’ and shares how he’s slowly starting to redefine the condition to help him feel more empowered.  Nicki is 55 and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 46. She reveals the judgement she’s faced, including reactions from healthcare professionals, and tells us why others’ comments can be so hurtful.   If you are affected by the topics discussed in this episode then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk      You can also learn more about living with diabetes on our website:  50% of people living with diabetes have missed healthcare appointments due to stigma fear  Diabetes and mental wellbeing advice  Diabetes and emotional health - a practical guide for healthcare professionals supporting adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes How the FreeStyle Libre works Our guide to living with diabetes at university  Open Primary tabs configuration options The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.    Presenter - Jack Woodfield  Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content   If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk   Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  

Diabetes treatments are varied and can include medication, changes to what you eat, and technology. But it can be challenging trying to understand how treatments work.   In this episode, Jack Woodfield from our content team is joined by Shivali Modha and Professor Partha Kar.   Shivali is an accountant who lives in North London, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 26. She talks about the shock of her diagnosis and how she struggled with the side effects of treatments in the first few years. Partha is a diabetes co-lead at NHS England and a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trusts. He discusses the challenges some people face when starting new treatments, and why social inequalities can also play a part in treatment outcomes.   If you are struggling with managing your diabetes through your diet then ask your healthcare team if you can be referred to a dietitian. If you are affected by the topics discussed in this episode then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk   You can learn more about pre-pregnancy counselling at the charity Tommy’s, which supports, cares for and champions people on their pregnancy journey.    You can also learn more about living with diabetes at diabetes.org.uk:  What is type 2 diabetes remission? Our response to serious supply issues of drugs for people with T2DThe latest on WegovyWhat are closed loop systems?Pregnancy and diabetes Cost of living support The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.  Presenter - Jack Woodfield Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook 

Research is vital if we’re to better understand, treat and prevent diabetes. But what’s it like to take part in research? Here, we explore the world of research trials, and also talk about some of the most innovative and exciting research projects that we’re funding.In this episode, Jack Woodfield from Diabetes UK is joined by Sarah Parsons and Dr Vicky Salem.Sarah lives in Plymouth and works in occupational administration. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 21 and has dedicated herself to taking part in diabetes research, and she is now training to be an NHS Research Champion. She talks about the wide variety of projects that you can get involved with and why she feels it’s such a valuable experience. Dr Salem is a clinician scientist and consultant diabetologist at St Mary’s Hospital in London. She shares an update on her research into a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, discusses heterogeneity within diabetes (diversity within a health condition), and offers an insight into some of the challenges faced by research teams.If you are affected by the topics discussed then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email us at helpline@diabetes.org.ukYou can also visit our website to learn more about living with diabetes at diabetes.org.uk:The DiRECT study Dr Salem’s Grand Challenge research Our online forum Ischemia in the brain can develop when your brain isn’t receiving enough blood. Learn more about the brain, diabetes and the risk of stroke Diabetes and foot problems Get involved with research University of Exeter research into T1 subtypes The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK.The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.Presenter - Jack WoodfieldProduced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate ContentIf you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.ukFollow us on:  Twitter | Instagram | Facebook 

Diabetes doesn’t just impact you physically - it’s something you have to think about every single day. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population.  In this episode Jack Woodfield from Diabetes UK is joined by Kayleigh Steel and Dr Amrit Sachar to discuss mental wellbeing.   Kayleigh lives in Stafford and works in HR. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the day before her 23rd birthday. She shares how her diagnosis has impacted her mental wellbeing and why she’s found it difficult to get the right support from her healthcare team.   Amrit is a liaison psychiatry consultant at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and West London NHS Trust. Her clinical work has centred around the mental health aspects of diabetes.  Trigger warning. Some of the topics covered in this episode include disordered eating, anxiety and depression, which may be upsetting.  If you are affected by the topics discussed then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email us at helpline@diabetes.org.uk  You can also visit our website to learn more about living with diabetes at diabetes.org.uk  Diabetes and mental wellbeing advice www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions Our online forum https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/ Diabetes and disordered eating www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions/eating-disorders-and-diabetes DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) - a diabetes education course www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/education You can also learn more about support and services for mental health as well as disordered eating: Mind www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/ Samaritans www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org Beat www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk  The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.   Presenter - Jack Woodfield Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content  If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk  Follow us on:  Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Technology in diabetes care has taken huge leaps forward in recent years, from insulin pumps to continuous glucose monitors. But many people living with diabetes are not able to access technology or choose not to.  In this episode, Jack Woodfield from Diabetes UK is joined by Georgia Weston, Sam Dottin and Dr Waqas Tahir to explore the world of diabetes tech.Georgia is a medical student, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged 26. She shares her experiences with technology and why her view on tech has changed over time. Sam works here at Diabetes UK and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 41. She discusses how it was a chance diagnosis which left her looking for as much information as possible about how tech could help her manage her blood sugar levels. Dr Tahir is a GP and diabetes clinical lead in Yorkshire and talks about the range of tech on offer for people living with diabetes and how he’s still on a learning curve when it comes to tech. If you are affected by the topics discussed, or require support with your technology, then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email us at helpline@diabetes.org.uk You can also visit our website to learn more about living with diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk Diabetes technology eligibility in UK https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/diabetes-technology/cgm-flash-pump-who-qualifies-on-nhs Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/diabetic_ketoacidosis MDI is what some people call Multiple Daily Injections of insulin. Find out more https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/insulin/injecting Tech Can’t Wait campaign https://www.diabetes.org.uk/tech-cant-wait Closed loop recommendations https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/hybrid-closed-loop-technology-recommended-thousands-type-1The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice.  Presenter - Jack Woodfield Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content If you’d like to give feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us at content@diabetes.org.uk Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, Jack Woodfield from Diabetes UK is joined by Nikita Kuzmin and Milesh Lakhani to discuss the role that sport and exercise play in their lives and the benefits and challenges it can bring.  Nikita is a professional dancer with six Italian Championship titles who joined the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. He was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 13. Milesh is a property developer who lives in Hampshire with his wife and two children. He was diagnosed with type 3c in 2021. Nikita shares what motivates him to take part in as many physical activities as he can and reveals some of the planning required for him to take part in the Strictly Come Dancing TV show and live tour. Milesh explains how he changed his exercise routine after developing pancreatitis and being diagnosed with diabetes, and how not being active affects him. When taking part in any new physical activity, there is the possibility of physical injury. It’s important that you always check with your healthcare team before trying new exercises. If you experience any pain or difficulty when doing these exercises, stop and speak to your GP or healthcare team. If you are affected by the topics discussed then you can call our helpline team on 0345 123 2399, or email us at helpline@diabetes.org.uk You can also visit Diabetes UK online to learn more about living with diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk, including: Exercise and diabetes https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise Mental wellbeing https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions Diabetes technology https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/diabetes-technology Type 3c diabetes https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/type-3c-diabetes The views and opinions of the guests are their personal stories and may not reflect the views or advice of Diabetes UK. The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's important you always speak with your healthcare team for specific medical advice. Presenter - Jack Woodfield Produced by Diabetes UK and Ultimate Content If you’d like to give us feedback on this episode or would like to be a future guest on the podcast, please contact us as content@diabetes.org.uk  Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | FacebookFollow our guests on Instagram: Nikita @nikita_kuzmin Milesh @milesh_lakhani_property