Winter support from Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK knows that over the coming months, supporting people with self-care is going to be more important than ever, so it has provided some key resources and links to information that may help:
- The North of England Diabetes UK signposting leaflet (see downloads, below) provides information about peer support options, helpline, learning zone and other support and information offered by Diabetes UK.
- People worried about their risk of developing t2 diabetes can still get information and support, including self-referral into the national diabetes prevention programme, through the website and free online Know Your Risk tool.
- The guide to t1 diabetes and guide to t2 diabetes are free and available to download or order in hard copy on the links.
- The guide to diabetes and looking after your feet is free and available to download or order in hard copy on the link.
- The guide to eating well with diabetes is free and available to download or order in hard copy on the link.
- Diabetes UK also offers information about managing diabetes when you are sick.
Stay connected and get support
Diabetes UK also has lots of ways for people to stay connected and find peer support. Whether that’s through the Diabetes UK forum or, in the North of England, the Friends of the North Facebook group.
Winter tips
Diabetes UK says it can be helpful to take things one day at a time and remember some of things that you can do to help you manage your diabetes and stay-well, along side the importance of peer support. Top top tips include:
- Make sure you’re stocked up on all the medications you need while your GP is shut.
- Be aware of higher blood sugar levels. It is fine to have the occasional spike but try to make sure your blood sugar levels don’t stay too high for too long.
- Ensure that you have your COVID-19 vaccines and the flu jab, this winter.
- If you can, stay active to help manage your diabetes. It’s a little more difficult in the colder months, but there are plenty of ways you can get active at home too.