My Diabetes My Way: February 2021 Update
Welcome to the My Diabetes My Way Newsletter for February 2021.
30,000 Active Users
Earlier this month, My Diabetes My Way reached the milestone of 30,000 users logging in to access their diabetes records. Many thanks to those of you who have contributed to this significant figure. If you have not yet been able to access your records, please let us know by contacting us using our new email address: mydiabetes.myway@nhs.scot .
Please also help us by spreading word of the service to anyone who you think might benefit. You can also share information on social media, by linking to our Facebook and Twitter pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyDiabetesMyWay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyDiabetesMyWay/
Blog Reflecting on Records Access
In addition to reaching 30,000 active users, December 2020 also marked the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the My Diabetes My Way records access service. Following these recent milestones, our Programme Lead Dr Scott Cunningham has written a blog reflecting on the evolution of the service and the benefits that have been evaluated and reported by those who use it. The blog describes how the service has grown from a University of Dundee research project, to a fully integrated service for NHS Scotland. You can read the blog here: https://www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/ContentNews.aspx?id=1125
Wellbeing and Mental Health Questionnaires
My Diabetes My Way contains two questionnaires that allow you to assess your mental health and general wellbeing. The aim of these questionnaires is to allow you to self-assess areas where you may benefit from talking to your healthcare team. When you complete these assessments, we will provide you with a summary that explains your result, further guidance on what you can do next, and links to information that may help you.
When you log in to My Diabetes My Way and select "My Home Data", you will see two assessments:
1. Mental Health Test: Indicates if you are suffering from, or are at risk of depression
2. Wellbeing Test: Assesses your general wellbeing and how you are feeling
Both of these questionnaires have been recommended internationally as the standard methods of assessment for wellbeing and mental health (https://www.ichom.org/portfolio/diabetes/).
Feeling low, anxious or stressed?
Anxiety, low mood and stress are common problems which we all experience from time to time, particularly in Lockdown. When these feelings persist, they can affect our daily life and lead to emotional distress. Some people may recover in a few weeks on their own, while others need more specialist help and support. If you are feeling this way, then a service called “Living Life” may be able to help you: https://www.breathingspace.scot/living-life
My Diabetes My Way Admin
Due to the current situation with Coronavirus, it is taking us longer to collect mail, create new enrolment packs and send out registration paperwork for you to access your diabetes records. We are currently processing enrolment packs in batches every two weeks, but we are now happy for you to email us back a photo or scanned copy of your signed form to avoid any further delays.
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.