"Diabetic care, education & psychological support"

I have been diabetic for 15 years and never successfully managed my diabetes. I've had very poor and negative experiences in NHS Ayrshire & Arran of multiple cancelled appointments, never seeing the same staff twice and being scolded when things aren't as good as they should be. I always felt ashamed, that this was my fault and clueless about what to do about it. It led me to being very cavalier about maintaining good control and using insulin regularly and appropriately.

I've had two hospital admissions where i was really unwell with diabetic ketoacidosis. The last was in 2023. The inpatient experience was grim. On both occasions, no beds, short staffed and an over reliance on agency staff who I did not trust. Junior doctors came and went without any real understanding or experience of diabetes and once I achieved a stable blood glucose, I was sent home.

However, after a four night stay this time i saw a diabetic specialist nurse just before discharge. She promised a change of insulins, follow-up support, an education course (DAFNE) and a referral to the psychological service. I somewhat doubted this would materialise having experienced a litany of undelivered follow-up before.

Everything she suggested was delivered and I am much better for it. My faith in the NHS diabetic service has been restored and I wish to convey my  thanks to Pamela and Collette who delivered the DAFNE course. This was a really positive experience both educationally and supportive as I better understand my diabetes and managing insulin. The peer support from the course participants was invaluable. I now know I'm not alone in struggling to manage this condition. 

Dr Lizzie in the Psychology service was superb. She spoke to me about the challenges of having a long term chronic condition in a very measured, empathetic way showing me both the science and the emotion behind it. I finally understood my feelings, reactions and responses. Together with some intense input from Pamela on a one to one basis, this has brought about a demonstrative positive change in me. It's evidenced in my numbers.

Pamela, Collette and Lizzie have together changed my whole attitude and approach to diabetes. They have done something I couldn't do alone or that any other medics have not managed to do either. 

I cannot thank them enough and hope that in submitting this they will receive the recognition they deserve in turning me around from what I thought was a hopeless case of non-compliance into someone who has confidence to get it right - at least some of the time. Importantly, to spot the signs when things are not good and do something about it. 

If anyone is reading this and sees some of their experience in it, take up the opportunity to do DAFNE and seek some mental health input too. It's not just about numbers and needles. Without being too evangelical - it's about living your life better. It's life long and difficult but keep the faith!