My Diabetes My Way: July 2021 Update


Welcome to the My Diabetes My Way Newsletter for July 2021.


One Million Step Challenge

Diabetes UK have launched their “One Million Step Challenge”. The aim is to get people active over the next three months with a target of reaching one million steps by the end of September. If you can, you’ll need to take an average of at least 10,000 steps a day to reach the target. How you do them and where you do them is completely up you. Find out more at: https://step.diabetes.org.uk 
 

To track your steps, we developed a link to Fitbit (www.fitbit.com) that allows you to add your activity tracker data to My Diabetes My Way. If you have a Fitbit device, log in to My Diabetes My Way and select “My Services”. You can then link your Fitbit account and connect your Fitbit records. When you do this, you will see a new section named “My Activity” where you can monitor your steps, heart rate and many other Fitbit measurements.


What is HbA1c?
Glucose within your blood attaches to haemoglobin in red blood cells. Red blood cells live for around 8-12 weeks before being replaced, so the HbA1c test tells you how well controlled your blood glucose has been over the last 2-3 months. We know that high levels of glucose over a long period of time can damage the blood vessels, therefore increasing the risk of diabetes complications. Be aware of your HbA1c result by accessing your results on My Diabetes My Way.


Things to consider:

  • Set goals and agree your HbA1c target with your healthcare team
  • If your HbA1c is above your target, speak to your healthcare team to support your treatment plan. This may involve a review of your current medication.
  • Consider lifestyle factors such as:
    • Are you stressed?
    • Do you need to change your physical activity routine?
    • Are you sleeping well?
    • Could your diet be improved?
    • Are you drinking too much alcohol?
    • If you smoke, stop.

Consider some further education via eLearning courses until access to structured courses becomes available again. You can access courses at: https://elearning.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk  Please note, this service is not connected to myaccount, so you will be asked to create a separate account to access eLearning.

 

Foot Screening for Individuals with Diabetes is Changing
The Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group, working in consultation with the Scottish Diabetes Group and Diabetes Scotland, is introducing some changes to the way in which Diabetes foot screening is to be delivered in Scotland. These changes are in line with up-to-date scientific evidence and are designed to provide you a more streamlined, effective and efficient service.

Diabetes foot screening is an important part of your NHS diabetes care. The screening process checks for any signs or symptoms of changes to your feet that could increase your risk of developing a foot ulcer that could lead to amputation. To read more about the changes, please see the following link: https://www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/ContentNews.aspx?id=1131 

 

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.

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