I’ve been a diabetic for just over 10 years, and I have recently become a social worker and want to do more advocacy for our community. Especially in Canada.
Although, I’ve been struggling to find supports to refer other diabetics to. Like help lines for Canada, or helpful articles on Mental health or eating disorders supports.
Wondering if anyone has anything beneficial that would be useful in my resource booklet. Thank you for all the love and support you all provide to this community.
@ellat06Welcome Ells to the Breakthrough T1D [formerly JDRF] Community Forum!
Diabetes goes not have territorial boundaries so diagnosis, care, management, and education what is shared here can be used in Canada; yes, members here live in many countries around the world. Over the years I’ve read postings from Canadian people - ALL re welcome. In the past, JDRF had Chapters in Canada.
For me, an important part of diabetes management can be learned better from interaction with other people living with diabetes - little “tricks”, hacks, observations, suggestions - that aren’t printed in Text Books, so personal contact becomes more important; so search your internet looking for events, meetings, walks/bike-riding, etc. The Canadian government recognizes this too and has suggestions: diabetes support groups in Canada - Search
What a wonderful plan! Your resources are for diabetics in general but if you want to have a section for individuals newly diagnosed I have reading material I refer people to and suggest they check out tracking apps - I have a few I suggest to give them a head start but there are lots to choose from.
Books:
Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner. He has Type1 diabetes, is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, and is the founder of Integrated Diabetes Services - you can check it and him out here: About Integrated Diabetes Services
Sugar Surfing - I have not read this one myself but I often see it recommended.
Tracking Apps
MySugr, Glucose Buddy and Glooko are free. MyNetDiary has an annual subscription. [These are just ones I share - yours may vary]
Tips for finding an Endo
I’ve seen people online who have a horrible experience with their endo, and it appears that in searching for one after diagnosis they may have simply asked if the endo handled diabetes - without specifying Type 1. Very important to ask. Board Certification means they keep up with developments, which is a plus.
Online I often see people looking for products that will keep their sensor in place or something to hold their pump. While you don’t want to get into specific product endorsement, searching for “pump patches,” “pump pouches,” and “arm/waistbands,” on Amazon and Etsy (to name just a couple) will give them options to pick from.
A side note on safety
Social media has become such a resource I’m afraid people are turning there rather than looking for true medical assistance - sometimes I’m online late at night and see someone post that they may be having an emergency and asking what they should do. It might be good to remind people to keep in mind the options (may be different for you) of their doctor’s after hours number, a 24/7 nurse helpline, or emergency services - rather than waiting for someone to spot their 2am post.
Thank you so much with all the lovely recommendations! I love them all. I will be sure to look through them thoroughly.
I also agree what you’re saying about social media. I few days ago I found out Canada does not have a Diabetic Crisis line, for curious questions, or mental health. I was quite baffled honestly. I think there should be more quick resource’s available.
As for supplies, I agree that people should have more access to the stickers to ensure their sites aren’t coming off early, and that they should be a faster and more accessible. I know not all diabetics are on closed loop systems or dexcoms, but more than ever most diabetics are these days. (And yes, I’m aware of the atrocious prices, I want to make a grab bag of quick supplies like pokers, or whatever someone might need in a pinch.)
And I love putting more thought towards the summer camps! I went to one myself and had such a blast. Thank you for reminding me.