My Diabetes My Way: May 2025 update
Welcome to the My Diabetes My Way Newsletter for May 2025.
International Recognition for My Diabetes My Way
A paper on the effectiveness of MDMW was runner-up at the International Conference for Integrated Care Gala Dinner Awards on Thursday 15th May. The paper by Dr Scott Cunningham was presented at the conference in Lisbon on Wednesday 14th May. The paper and presentation reported current utilisation figures and presented the impact MDMW has had on patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Dr Cunningham said, “This is unexpected, but hugely appreciated recognition for the whole My Diabetes My Way team, and for the benefits the service offers for people living with diabetes across Scotland.”. Further information can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/international-foundation-for-integrated-care_icic25-gala-dinner-awards-patient-activity-7328906556849221635-O8Ce/
Stroke Awareness Month
May is Stroke Awareness Month (https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-awareness-month) and reminds us that although diabetes can increase the risk of stroke, there are several ways that can reduce your risk. Stroke usually comes under the umbrella term of "Cardiovascular Disease" when discussing the complications of diabetes, as its risk can be reduced by treating diabetes control (HbA1c), blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Everyone should be aware of their individual levels for all three factors and what their target is – this should be agreed with your health care team.
You can find more information at the following links:
The 3 Treatment Targets: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/video/the-3-treatment-targets/
Diabetes and Blood Pressure: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/video/diabetes-and-blood-pressure/
Diabetes and Cholesterol: https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/video/diabetes-and-cholesterol/
Everyone should be aware of the symptoms of a stroke as immediate action and emergency help improve recovery. The acronym FAST is often used, and stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time. It describes symptoms that may be a visible sign of a stroke occurring. More information about the symptoms of stroke can be found at the link below:
https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/symptoms
World No Tobacco Day
May 31st is also World No Tobacco Day (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day), so could be a ideal opportunity to stop smoking if you still smoke. Smoking is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease, whether you have diabetes or not. There are some medications which can help you to stop smoking, and these are available on prescription from your healthcare team. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available over the counter from pharmacies. Smoking also increases your risk of developing diabetes complications associated with your eyes, kidneys and feet so to reduce your individual risk factors it is highly beneficial to stop smoking. There is lots more information at the link below:
https://mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/video/diabetes-and-smoking/
Coeliac Disease Awareness Week
May 12-19th May was also Coeliac Disease Awareness week. Coeliac disease is another autoimmune disease so can often be associated with Type 1 diabetes. Up to 9% of people with Type 1 diabetes may also be diagnosed with Coeliac disease. It is characterised by the inability to tolerate gluten in the diet and can cause severe abdominal cramps and digestive upsets if gluten is eaten. Gluten is a common ingredient in bread, pasta, biscuits and cakes – everything made with ordinary flour. People with Coeliac disease have to be very careful with the food they eat. This makes Carbohydrate counting even more difficult and can restrict diets, which can affect blood sugars. There is more information regarding diabetes and coeliac disease at the following link:
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/eating/managing-other-medical-conditions/coeliac-disease-diabetes
Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
Please remember, you can keep up-to-date with the latest news and useful information on the My Diabetes My Way Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydiabetesmyway
X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/mydiabetesmyway
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.