Newly Diagnosed?

The Group has provided Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Clinic with Hypowallets containing glucotabs, glucogel and glucojuice in a handy black wallet.  If you have not been given one, please ask the DSN for it!

Penguin Blood Glucose/Ketone Monitor!

How cute is this!  GlucoMen LX PLUS monitors now have this lovely Penguin case and the fingerpricker is cute too.  The case is an igloo!

You can ring up to request one on 0800 243 667 and don't need to be referred by a Heath Professional (I have checked!) It may be good for the little ones.

Drinks Bottle with Handy Storage Space

Smartshake has launched a drinks bottle that has a storage area at its base.  The base can hold food, glucose and if you choose the large bottle a small blood glucose monitor and fingerpricker. 

There are lots of trendy colours available.

http://www.smartshake.co.uk/

Looking for an interesting read?

"Think like a pancreas" by Gary Scheiner is a great book for those using insulin to control their diabetes.

Gary was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1986 and subsequently became a certified diabetes educator in 1993.

A quotation from the book is:  "The discovery of insulin gave us the ability to live with diabetes.  But today, we want to do more than just SURVIVE, we want to THRIVE".  Something I think we can all agree with when we think of our children!

Diabetes Power Questionnaire

Angela Allison, who runs Diabetes Power, is undertaking an anonymous survey regarding NHS service provision for people with Type 1 diabetes.

If you have time please take this very quick survey - follow the link

http://www.diabetespower.org.uk/index.php/take-part-in-a-survey

Information to help us with Carbohydrate Counting

We all know how difficult it can be to get the carbohydrate content on products we may buy as a quick snack. 

Gregg's the Bakers now have leaflets about the nutritional content of their products.  Why don't you pick up a copy!

Other food outlets also offer a similar service so if you would like to add their name to this list email us.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free benefit for disabled children (and adults). It is not based on your child's disability but the needs arising from it.  The payment is for your child.

Your child with Diabetes will probably qualify for Disability Living Allowance and the amount they will get is based on his/her current needs and circumstances.  Disability Living Allowance has two parts called 'components':

• a care component - if your child needs help looking after themself or supervision to keep them safe
• a mobility component (from 5 years old) - if they cannot walk or find it very hard to walk, or they need help getting around

Some of the children will be entitled to receive just one component; others may get both.

The care component and mobility component are paid at different rates depending on how your child's disability affects them.

It is important that you give the Disability and Carers Service (DCS) accurate information so that your child gets the correct amount. If any of the information you have given changes, then you must tell the DCS. They will then check that your child is still receiving the correct amount.

The paperwork is very long and needs time to complete it.  Part 36 "statement from someone else who knows the child" should be completed and signed by a member of the Hospital Diabetic Team and they will provide a letter to be sent with your completed form.

It is very overwhelming completing these forms and should you need any support please do not hesitate to contact us.

For more information please see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/financialsupport/dg_10011731

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled.  To find out if you qualify for Carer's Allowance see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10018705

Books for Parents/Carers

When my Son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes I read all the information provided by the Hospital and searched out other literature.  In addition to the friends I have met through Clinic and this Support Group reading up on this condition has been my salvation.  I know not everybody is the same but if you are looking for two books that explain what diabetes is, how the body works, how your child will feel (and the siblings) and various other bits and pieces about life with diabetes I can suggest:

1) Dr Ragnar Hanas - Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

2) Dr Rachel Besser - Diabetes Through the Looking Glass: Seeing diabetes from your child's perspective. (VE)

CEA (Cinema Exhibitor's Card) Card

This is a national card that means participating cinemas will provide a free ticket for the Carer  accompanying an individual in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. 

The card is valid for 1 year and costs £5.50.

For further details and an application form see www.ceacard.co.uk

Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT)

IDDT is an organisation for people living with diabetes run by people living with diabetes. They recognise that when one person in a family lives with diabetes, this affects other family members and offer support to partners and parents. They raise awareness of important issues for people with diabetes and provide information in non-medical language.

Have a look at their website and request a free Wilbert Goodie Bag - http://www.iddt.org/meet-wilbert/