This is YOUR page!

We can provide links to useful young people's websites. If you would like to add a site to the list please use the "contact us" tab.

If you would like to do a "My Life" article telling us about your achievements, challenges and goals please use the "contact us" tab.

This is your Group; let us know what you would like us to organise for you, eg activity events, get togethers, age specific events.

We are here to listen to your ideas!

NB:  We are not responsible for the content of other websites!

Diabetics with Eating Disorders

DWED (Diabetics with Eating Disorders) is a registered charity. Recent research shows that not only are females* who have type one diabetes at twice  the risk of developing anorexia or bulimia, as many as 40% of 15 – 30 year olds regularly omit insulin. This practice can have devastating consequences such as organ failure, infertility, blindness and in the worst cases, death. Despite the horrendous complications and staggering prevalence, diabulimia or ED-DMT1 is not diagnosable and there are no current guidelines for the NHS on how to deal with the issue.

DWED's aim is to provide support, awareness, advocacy and action.  

*Although less common it can also be found in males who have type 1 diabetes.

http://www.dwed.org.uk

JDRF Video by a Diabetic Specialist Nurse on Teenagers and Type 1

This is a talk from one of the JDRF Discovery Days and is very interesting about Teenagers with Type 1.

http://www.jdrf.org.uk/page.asp?section=798&sectionTitle=Debbie+Simms

A Sister's View

Below is an inspirational speech the Sister of one of our members did at school and she wanted to share it with you.............

“Today I just want to talk about something that interests me. It’s not something that everybody will like but it would be great if I could just have a couple of minutes to talk about it. I want to talk about a charity called Diabetes UK.  Most people will probably be thinking that talking about a charity is boring, but it’s not!

In February 2009 my brother, Josh was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes develops when the cells in your body that produce insulin have been destroyed by your immune system.  This can sometimes be triggered by a virus and usually runs in the family.  As he was only 8 years old it was a very big shock for him and the rest of the family.  Having to give him 3 injections of insulin a day was also hard for my parents.

Diabetes UK are not a typical charity; they don’t just use all the money that is donated to research new equipment and treatments. They also organise weekends where diabetic children from all over the country can come together and learn new ways of overcoming their worries about diabetes. 

Last October, I went to one of these events in Scotland with my mum and brother. When we were there Josh learnt how to do his own injections in his stomach.  I’m sure some people will understand how hard it must be to do that. Before the trip Josh was afraid of doing his own injections in case he made a mistake and being diagnosed with diabetes knocked all the confidence out of him. After spending a weekend with other diabetic children he was much happier and grew in confidence. He wanted to show people that having diabetes would not stop him from doing what he wanted to do in life.  Even now after 2 and a half years it amazes me how he manages to have so many injections and never complain.

 If it wasn’t for this charity, josh wouldn’t be the bubbly person that he is now, that is why I want to do whatever I can to help raise money for Diabetes UK; they have done so much for thousands of families like mine all over the country. They need all the help they can get and I am so grateful for everything they have done for  my brother.

 I am so proud of how strong he has been throughout everything and he is an inspiration to me.   Thanks.”

Heather D-S.

Youthhealthtalk.org

This is a website about young people’s real life experiences of health and lifestyle. This is not just a website about the medical facts, this is about real people and real lives.

http://www.youthhealthtalk.org/

Teenagers!

This is an NHS Diabetes Website giving information to teenagers on sex/contraception, drinking, drugs, careers, driving, smoking and exercise.

http://www.leedsteachinghospitals.com/sites/diabetes/teenage/

Children's Support Weekend Event

Here is a report from one of our members about his first weekend away from home on a DUK holiday:

We had a long journey to Kettering.  I met my Team Leaders who were all volunteers and included a doctor and a diabetic nurse.  I was in Team 1; there were 7 children.  My room-mate was called James and he was 7 years old.  I had a very busy time doing canoeing, kayaking, high-ropes, raft-building and climbing the high wall.  I got to the top of the wall!  I did my own evening injections but they still hurt.  The food was OK and the breakfasts were great.  I made lots of new friends and would love to go back next year.   

Max E (age 7, diagnosed 3 years ago)