Patient voices: 'What a difference someone listening makes'
"23 years on. I used to dread check ups. Being told everything I was doing was wrong, my results were all too high and I was given no explanations about how to change things.
'Chocolates and sweets are forbidden, check your blood, check your urine, more books, more urine.'
More results books to take home. It was one thing after another. The doctor, in his white coat, filled me as a child with fear - he reeked of coffee and tobacco and all that came back was negativity.
My bloods ran high for a while and then I decided to pluck up courage and get in touch with the local diabetic specialist nurses. I didn't know they existed before this! They sat and listened, asked me questions, were even interested in my answers and how I felt - what a difference. I was moved to tears knowing I was not alone. I even got an explanation of what diabetes was - people do assume you know what your condition is, but it's not always the case. Now, however, I did feel I was getting somewhere. I wasn't told what to do but asked what I wanted to do - for the first time in 15 years. Things have changed over time. I am not even looked down upon for enjoying an occasional chocolate or drink with a meal.
People who take time and listen can help you change and help you feel you can live well with diabetes. It helps to listen."
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