Listening is best way to help change diabetes mindset
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A former Highland MSP and Commonwealth Games cycling champ back the idea of more support for both diabetics and their families.
Former MSP and diabetic champion David Stewart said he found it helpful when campaigning over the years, talking to diabetics about their experiences, as well as their carers.
“I think parents and carers of diabetics need support and to be heard too,” he said.
“They hold a lot of responsibility, and can see first hand the effects and sometimes prejudices diabetes can have on their child, such as the issue of postcode lottery (care).
“Perhaps diabetic support groups are a good way of getting families involved: diabetics can talk to diabetics, but parents can talk to parents, ultimately sharing stories, raising awareness and ‘normalising’ this disease.”
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Former Commonwealth Games cyclist Roddy Riddle, from Inverness, has Type 1 diabetes, and would also like to see a more determined push towards normalising the condition.
Diagnosed in 2008 at the age of 40, Mr Riddle said he was a late-comer to the diabetes world but has worked hard to turn his previous ignorance of the condition into something positive.
“In all honesty I was filled with embarrassment as I knew nothing about the disease when I got it,” he said.
“I decided to turn my situation into a positive one and raise awareness – to try and break the stigma behind the confusion with diabetes.”
Connecting with diabetics and families of diabetics across the nation, he said: “I’ve done talks and families of diabetics thanked me for changing their mindset, in terms of the worry for their diabetic child becomes less.”
