Number 10 - I asked for a Diet Coke!

Sometimes a post comes along that really strikes a chord with a lot of people, and this post, posted by Sugarbum, certainly caused a stir! What many of the general public don’t understand is the effect of full sugar coke on a diabetic person’s blood sugar levels, and this extends to many of those running and serving in pubs, clubs and restaurants, unfortunately. The only time a person with diabetes can safely drink full sugar coke is when they are treating a hypo or when they have been able to prepare to cover the spike in levels beforehand. Therefore, to unknowingly drink it can be extremely dangerous, or at the very least make you ill by sending you up into double figures.

Thus, we all understood the anger and frustration felt when diet was asked for and the wrong version dispensed. This might sometimes be a genuine error, but anecdotal evidence has shown that it is often deliberate – even to the extent of pipes being swapped over as a ‘joke’. The assumption of anyone who deliberately gives the wrong type seems to be that ‘it doesn’t matter’ or ‘you’re not fat, why diet?’ or maybe ‘can’t be bothered’. Whatever the reason, it is wrong, poor customer service and potentially dangerous. If someone was already quite high, but thirsty, a full sugar version would send levels even higher at the risk of potential DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) – all because of a simple error, ignorance or carelessness.

Thus was born the DiDka campaign – or Diet Drink Awareness campaign to try and educate these establishments to train their staff appropriately. A Facebook group was launched, a logo designed and volunteers recruited to spread the word. A mass testing was organised so that we could all test out the level of error in different parts of the country, to be achieved by using diastix to test the drink ordered for sugar content. One memorable test took place at the London Forum and Circle D Meet where Becky was served the incorrect type – big mistake barman! Another issue identified was the lack of suitable drinks available for people with diabetes to drink – often the choice is diet coke or water if you don’t want the drink to affect your levels, and this lack of choice was seen a problem particularly for parents when their children didn’t like coke.

The campaign has been a little quiet of late, perhaps this reminder will nudge it back into life!

Post link: http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=5968

Number 3 – Bev’s Big Night In!

Diabetes management and food are inextricably linked, whether you are on insulin, tablets or controlling your levels by diet and exercise. What is also apparent is that no two people with diabetes are the same, so reactions to different types of meals can vary enormously. There are some general guidelines we can follow to try and reduce possible spikes and hypos, but our tools are crude – even an insulin pump can appear clumsy in comparison to the reactions of a healthy pancreas.

Nevertheless, we do try to have as much variety in our diets as possible! The current thinking is that we can eat anything, as long as it is in moderation, and we shouldn’t deny ourselves the odd ‘treat’. Member Bev came up with the excellent idea of forum members attempting to apply the diabetes ‘guidelines’ to a number of popular, but notoriously difficult to predict, meals and recording blood sugar levels over a period of up to five hours after eating. The results were very interesting, and remain as a useful record for others to refer back to and maybe pick up some tips and tricks when trying the meals for them selves.

We got through a variety of meals: Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese, Fish and Chips, Baked Potatoes, Fahjitas, Curry, Shepherd’s Pie and Lasagne, and it was very interesting to see the huge differences in blood sugar levels recorded by people, especially when different treatment regimes applied. Even pumps proved difficult to get right with some of the meals, despite the extra precision they ostensibly provide! Some people came to the conclusion that there were certain meals that were off the menu for good, others were pleasantly surprised at how they had reacted. Overall, an excellent addition to the forum, once again strengthening the sense of friendship and community that is one of the hallmarks of our forum.

Post link: http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=7311