Your Diabetes Hub is an archive of blog posts, articles & information, going back to 2001 when Helen Edwards founded the then Diabetes Counselling Online services and forums.
We no longer provide services, but you can find our articles and information here. Thank you to everyone who was involved with our work, and the wonderful community xx Helen Edwards and Helen Wilde
Diabetes and Complications, Taking Time Out, Keeping a Check and Living Well
The many complications of diabetes are something most of us know about. Often this information is given to you at a time where you are not ready to hear it, or at a time that causes high anxiety. The way the media talks about it can highlight the “fear factor” that is all around us when it comes…
Facing Life & Fear Head On
There has been a lot of discussion lately about worry, fear and anxiety when you have diabetes. For many people living with diabetes, on the surface daily life is no different to the rest of the world, but other people can not see all of the decisions you are making, like whether to check your…
Understanding the Journey of Pregnancy for Women with type 1 diabetes
I wrote this post a while ago when I was starting my PhD. Having just had some time out and starting back, I decided to refresh the post, because I think understanding the journey of pregnancy for women with type 1 diabetes is so very important. So important that it is the topic of my PhD. The topic…
On Patience and Patients
I had an appointment at my diabetes eye specialist recently that I cancelled and re-booked. Once, I did that about 6 times, before finally going through with the appointment……The appointment has come again this week, and yet again I am sitting here deciding whether to go through with it, or postpone. The thing is, when…
Why You Are Good Enough
I saw someone tweet recently “I don’t want to be told I can do anything if I put my mind to it, I want to be told that what I can do is good enough” (@brookewinters33). It really struck me. This is something you hear so often…”you can do anything if you put your mind to…
Dear Pauline, The World is a Rainbow
Dear Pauline (and anyone else who has ever bullied, ignored, taunted or tossed away someone with a disability), When I was 12 years old I was told that I would never have children due to type 1 diabetes. I was told that I would grow up and lose my legs, my eyes, my kidneys. I…
The Incredible Art of Ageing
Growing older is a given. Despite much research, discussion and striving to avoid it, you just can not prevent getting older, and the old adage of there being 2 things in this world being certain – death and taxes – is still true. You can not put off death. It happens to all of us.…
Yoga may help people living with type 2 diabetes
Guest Post from Dr Tony Tanious – House Call Doctor For people living with type two diabetes, regular exercise is fundamental to maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Fortunately, regular exercise doesn’t always have to involve exhaustive weights training or rigorous cardio. Instead, new research suggests that participating in yoga may help people with diabetes be less…
Diabetes Chat 3: Dealing with Diabetes & Pregnancy
Our Sweet Talk Tuesday live chat sessions are on a range of topics – head here to find out all of the upcoming talks and topics. Chat topic 3 was about managing diabetes and pregnancy. This is a passion topic of mine being mum of 3 beautiful sons, and studying my PhD looking at the…
Lifting the Burden of Chronic Disease
I have been going through some changes to my health lately, including high and low blood pressure, lightheadedness and a couple of instances of vertigo, mood changes, sleeping troubles, night sweats and unexplained overnight blood glucose spikes (incredibly cruel when I am on a low carb diet and changing my pump sites daily). I was…
Diabetes and Your Wellbeing
Did you know diabetes affects your wellbeing and mental health? People with diabetes have a higher risk of depression and many people experience diabetes related distress and diabetes burn out. Having good mental health requires you to focus just as much on looking after your emotional, psychological and social health, as your physical health. You need to do things that increase mental health and wellbeing – after all, wellbeing and health go hand-in-hand. Talking about how you are feeling is an important first step. Support is vital. You are not alone. Head here for our pages on diabetes and wellbeing.
Dealing with Diabetes
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is like starting a journey on a road that is new and unfamiliar to you. At diagnosis you can experience, shock, denial, fear, grief, anger, worry, hopelessness, and many other things. Family members can also experience these things too. These are normal experiences and feelings. You will work through them in time and become more comfortable with your diabetes. Talking about how you are feeling, getting as much information as possible, at a pace that is right for you, and taking time to care for your physical and mental health, are all very important at this time. These things continue to be important as you get on with life with diabetes.