28 January 2008

Dungannon Woman Receives Recognition for Diabetes

Dungannon woman, Loretto Bernard has been awarded with the Alan Nabarro medal from Diabetes UK for having managed diabetes for over 50 years.

The medal is named after Alan D N Nabarro, OBE, who waged a life-long battle against discrimination against people with diabetes. In 1922 Mr Nabarro had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and given six months to live but due to the discovery of insulin he survived 55 years.

Loretto was diagnosed with diabetes when she was just five years old and has seen many developments since her diagnosis.Loretto says: “When I was diagnosed with diabetes, meters were not available to test the blood glucose, instead we tested urine in a test tube using tablets which changed colour to show the amount of glucose present in the urine. Insulin was injected using a glass insulin syringe and needles which had to be sterilized by boiling. Food was also weighed.

“Treatment of diabetes has developed since then and life is much easier for people managing the condition. Nowadays we have insulin pens some of which are preloaded and disposable.” There are many different blood glucose meters available as well as talking meters which are provided to clients with diabetes who have impaired vision.

Marita Brock, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Southern Health and Social Care Trust says: “Diabetes is a chronic condition which is due to a lack of insulin in the body or where inadequate amounts of insulin are produced resulting in raised blood glucose levels. If diabetes is not controlled, complications may develop. However many clients with diabetes self manage their condition and lead a normal life. Four percent of the population in the Southern Trust area aged over 16 have diabetes. It cannot be cured, but people with the condition like Loretto can learn to control the symptoms to help prevent health problems developing later on in life.”

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust offers a range of initiatives to support patients with diabetes. The Expert Patient Programme is available for clients who have Type 2 Diabetes. Patients can self refer or be referred by Diabetes Specialist Nurses, GPs, Practice Nurses or through a Dietitian. The contact number is 028 8771 3478.

DAIRE (Dungannon, Armagh, Adjusting Insulin Around Eating) is an educational programme for clients with Type1 diabetes. Referrals can be made by the diabetes team. The contact numbers are 028 8771 3510 /028 8771 3526 /028 8771 3478.)

The local diabetes branch meets on the 2nd Monday of each month in Loane House South Tyrone Hospital Dungannon at 7.45pm. All people with diabetes, their family or friends are welcome to attend.