My Diabetes My Way: August 2025 update
Welcome to the My Diabetes My Way Newsletter for August 2025.
One Million Step Challenge
There is still time to take part in Diabetes UK One Million Step Challenge. This runs till the end of September 2025, and more details can be found at the link below. If you can, make the most of the last of the summer weather by getting your steps in.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/fundraising-events/one-million-steps
Advice for Teenagers Moving Away From Home
Summer holidays are nearly over, and for some it will soon be back to school, College or University. This often involves leaving home for the first time and living completely independently. Having diabetes can mean that this can prove more difficult to manage than it is when living at home with your family. When preparing to move away from home, care must be taken to ensure that you have an adequate supply of all your diabetes medication to keep you going for the first few weeks. Registering with a local GP is essential in case you need medical help at any time. It is also advisable to let your College or University know that you have diabetes as they usually have a student support team to help with any difficulties you may have.
Moving into a flat and making new friends can be really exciting and it can be awkward to tell new people about your diabetes. However, it is preferable that they know what your normal hypo signs and symptoms are and how to help and treat you if you have a hypo. There is lots of information about leaving home to go and study at the following link: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/external/info-for-teens/
Living independently means that young adults start to make more of their own decisions and may be more prone to try vaping, alcohol and drugs. All of these can have an effect on blood sugars. The links below provide more information:
Smoking and Diabetes: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/video/smoking-and-diabetes/
Vaping and Diabetes: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/internal/vaping-and-diabetes
Alcohol, Smoking and Illicit Drugs: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/files/alcohol-smoking-and-illicit-drugs/
Tattoos and Piercings with Diabetes: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/external/tattoos-and-piercings-with-diabetes/
Driving and Diabetes
Many people may be learning to drive in the summer weather. The DVLA has certain specific regulations that must be complied with when you have diabetes. Drivers must inform the DVLA if they are taking insulin on a long-term basis. If you drive a lorry or a passenger-carrying vehicle you must inform the DVLA if you are taking a medication that can cause hypos such as Gliclazide. The DVLA will issue a restricted time licence, but this will be renewed if certain conditions are met. It is also essential to tell your insurance company that you have diabetes. It is important to check your blood sugar before you drive and every 2 hours into a journey. Remember the ‘5 before I drive’. You must always carry a hypo treating kit in the car and a blood sugar meter, even if you have a sensor such as Libre or Dexcom. If you are driving and stop to treat a hypo, you must wait at least 45 minutes before driving again so that your reaction time and cognitive ability are back to normal. There is lots more information available at the following links:
Driving: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/internal/driving/
Medical Rules for Driving: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/external/medical-rules-for-driving/
Safe Driving and the DVLA: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/files/safe-driving-and-the-dvla/
Mobile App Data Issues
We are aware that some users of our Mobile App are experiencing issues with their diabetes records and data updating correctly. We are currently investigating the cause of this problem and aim to have a resolution very soon. In the meantime, if you are having problems, please log-in to the website directly and you will be able to review your full diabetes information.
Free Online Diabetes Courses
Free online courses are available for people with Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes at:
https://elearning.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk
To brush up on your diabetes self-management, register a username and password to get going. Please note, that eLearning is not yet connected to myaccount, so you will be asked to create a new account to access the courses until we have them linked. Your myaccount details will work as normal to allow you to access your diabetes records.
Facebook, X and Bluesky
Please remember, you can keep up-to-date with the latest news and useful information on the My Diabetes My Way Facebook, X and Bluesky pages.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydiabetesmyway
X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/mydiabetesmyway
Bluesky: @mydiabetesmyway.bsky.social
Help and Support
If you have not yet managed to gain access to your diabetes records on My Diabetes My Way, or would like an update on the status of your registration, please let us know. You can contact us regarding any problems or request further help and support by emailing: mydiabetes.myway@nhs.scot
Thank you for your continued support.