DRWF Events: A return to Wellness

“Dr Mayank Patel, Consultant in Diabetes from University Hospital Southampton, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Southampton, who is also a member of the DRWF Editorial Advisory Board, presented a session titled ‘The Fantastic Journey’ in which we took an historic look back at the history of insulin and different types of tablets, insulin delivery and diabetes management since Banting and Best delivered the first insulin injection to Leonard Thompson 100 years ago. Dr Patel took us through the decades to present day and discussion about what treatments are likely to come next and into the future.

“Sarah Woodman, Head of Service, Physical Health at the Portsmouth and SE Division of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Georgette Alayyan, Lead Diabetes Specialist Dietitian at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, joined forces to deliver a session reminding us of the importance of diet and nutrition in managing diabetes as well as looking at types of carbohydrates and their function, dose adjusting and the support available like the NHS Weight Loss Plan and Type 2 Prevention Programme.

“Julie Weeks (MSc), Occupational Therapist and Shiatsu Practitioner/Teacher and Tai Chi for Health Instructor, did two fantastic sessions about using holistic approaches such as tai chi for our physical and mental wellbeing as part of our overall diabetes management. Julie encouraged our delegates to try some simple and gentle tai chi moves in the peace and surroundings of the hotel gardens. Perfect on such a glorious and sunny day.

“The very important topic of diabetes, eye health and retinal screening was also covered by Lisa Thain, Engagement Officer, and David Matthews, Deputy Programme Manager and Stakeholder and Quality Assurance Manager from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. Lisa and David highlighted the importance of attending annual eye screening, what the screening entails, what they look for and the type of treatments undertaken if any stage of retinopathy is detected. They concluded with questions and answers and the rest of their team also had an information stand in the exhibition area complete with cameras and equipment to look at.

Picture: Dr Mayank Patel during his session on the history of insulin and the development of treating diabetes. 

“The very important topic of diabetes, eye health and retinal screening was also covered by Lisa Thain, Engagement Officer, and David Matthews, Deputy Programme Manager and Stakeholder and Quality Assurance Manager from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. Lisa and David highlighted the importance of attending annual eye screening, what the screening entails, what they look for and the type of treatments undertaken if any stage of retinopathy is detected. They concluded with questions and answers and the rest of their team also had an information stand in the exhibition area complete with cameras and equipment to look at.

“After a nice healthy lunch and break, the programme was resumed, and the talks were all repeated to provide delegates the chance to take in the remaining presentations they missed in the morning and an opportunity to visit the experts and exhibitors from the diabetes teams, diagnostic companies and diabetes[1]related organisations, before we brought the day to a close.

“So, after three years, our first Diabetes Wellness Day back was a huge success and enjoyed by all. “We are already in the planning for our Diabetes Wellness Day Midlands in Kenilworth in September and Diabetes Wellness Day North in Hartlepool in November and looking forward very much to welcoming old friends and new to join us at those.”

For more information, please visit our Events news pages where you can register easily or contact Lee Calladine directly by email or by telephone on 023 9263 6133. 

“The medium case has room for up to two insulin pens, a finger pricker, meter and test strips. There are also roomy pockets for extras such as a Libre or Omnipod reader. When my daughter moved over from pen therapy to using an insulin pump, we continued to use the medium-sized case as we always bring an insulin pen along and still needed various supplies which are kept in the pockets, for example spare batteries, ketone strips, lancets and needles in case the pump fails (this is very rare but we like to be prepared!).

“Testing kit is such an important part of the day-to-day reality for people living with diabetes and having a case made from quality fabrics in bright colours can help to brighten up your day. “The small cases have proved more popular with those who just need to test their blood sugar levels once or twice a day, such as those living with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. They are small enough to put in a bag and know that you have the essentials there when needed.”