CLOSE to 3,000 people in Fermanagh are affected by diabetes, the Western Trust has revealed.
And, Thursday past was World Diabetes Awareness Day. Monday night this week, saw members of the Fermanagh branch of Diabetes UK meet at the Railway Hotel.
The group meets on a bi-monthly basis, with a range of people across different age demographics and with different levels of diabetes.
Clare Love, from Derrygonnelly, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 12 years ago.
“I never knew – or suspected that I could be a diabetic – but the symptoms started to show. The tiredness – you could get very low, very shaky, very pale and sick even,” she explained.
“So I knew something was wrong. My doctor did a simple blood test, my sugars were high and then I was referred to a diabetic clinic.”
In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As no insulin is produced, glucose levels increase, which can seriously damage the body’s organs.
“Dietary changes were made, for a start. All the sugary drinks, the chocolates, were supposed to go out the window. The key of diabetic control is keeping your sugar levels down,” Clare went on.
“I knew it was something that I had to do, so I was very mindful of that. It wasn’t a huge change in my lifestyle, but it’s something I’m always aware of – when you go out driving – to know that your blood sugars are well within the limit.
“It’s part of my life now, it’s never going to change. But I’m quite happy with the services I get,” she said.
And, Dinah Shortt, who on December 19 will receive an MBE for her work in Diabetes UK, was also in attendance.
“I’ve been involved for 35 years. I had a son who was diagnosed at the age of five, and because of him I got involved here,” she explained.
“He was killed in an accident when he was 15, but I kept on being involved.
“It’s very very important because you get to meet other people with diabetes – it’s wonderful for the children and more helpful for the parents.
“If you see another parent you realise that you’re not alone.”
She added: “We don’t get that many children but parents come and it’s nice to know that there are other parents going through what you’re going through.”
And of her MBE, Dinah commented: “I’m really excited about it – I’m very proud of it.”
The Fermanagh Branch of Diabetes UK meets on a bi-monthly basis, and you can contact Ann Harland on 02866322548 for more information.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere