Sisters face diabetes battle (From South Wales Argus)

Sisters face diabetes battle

12:24pm Monday 16th November 2009

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SISTERS Yvonne Jones and Tina Moir are battling recently-diagnosed diabetes - and they are supporting a Wales-wide campaign to make people more aware of vital blood glucose levels.

Around a third of people with diabetes in Wales do not know what their recommended blood glucose level should be, according to a new study, and they are putting themselves at greater risk of problems such as blindness, heart disease and kidney failure as a result.

Mrs Jones, 57, and Mrs Moir, 52, from Cwmbran,are learning more about their conditions and how to manage it, by attending an expert patient programme, called X-Pert, designed to equip people with the knowledge to better self-manage chronic conditions.

"I found out about my diabetes almost by accident," said Mrs Jones, who also has rheumatoid arthritis.

"I'd gone into hospital for tests for another problem, and they detected glucose in a urine sample and suggested I go to my GP. But a test there came back borderline so they thought it was nothing serious."

But more tests at hospital showed the blood glucose level to be rising.

Target blood glucose levels are 7.5 per cent for people with diabetes at severe risk of hypoglycaemia, and less than 6.6 per cent for those who are not. At one test, Mrs Jones' level was 12.1 per cent.

"It was surprise, but not as much as being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, so maybe living with that prepared me a little," she said.

"Looking back, dryness of the mouth was a classic symptom, but I didn't think I had diabetes and I think there are lots of people like that.

"I control my diabetes by diet and medication. I was diagnosed in June and Tina even more recently, and because you can take someone along with you to the X-Pert course, she comes with me.

"It's a great help, for instance with interpreting information on food labels. Arming yourself with the knowledge to live with diabetes is very important.

"I'm doing OK, though the one thing I really miss is sugar in my tea. I dislike sweeteners so much I can only put a little bit in!"

Control of condition is key

THE study is based on Quality and Outcomes Framework figures which looked at more than 2.3 million adults with diabetes across the UK. Dai Williams, national director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said long and short term diabetes complications are estimated to cost the NHS around £55,000 an hour in Wales, and can have a devastating effect on quality of life. For information about diabetes, call Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276 or email wales@diabetes.org.uk

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