Young people with diabetes
Helping young people with diabetes
In North East Essex there are around 450 people living with diabetes under the age of 25 and the majority of these young people have their care provided by us the North East Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS).
We want to make sure that, along with the other 17,000 people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in North East Essex, our younger patients have access to online help, support and education.
We have a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter where we post regular updates about the NEEDS service, education courses, local events and relevant news. We also encourage our patients who use social media to post questions on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #NEEDShelp. The answers are then posted on the Frequently Asked Questions section of the NEEDS website.
We also have a dedicated Facebook page for the young persons Type 1 Connect peer support group.
Type 1 & Type 2
If you are diagnosed aged 16 or over, your care will be provided by NEEDS.
If you are diagnosed under the age of 16, your care will be provided by the Paediatric department at Colchester General Hospital, which is commissioned by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), until you turn 19.
If you are currently being supported by the Paediatric Team you will be transferred over to the adult service provided by NEEDS around your 19th birthday. Prior to this you will have met the NEEDSD team during your time in the joint transition clinic held at Colchester General Hospital – this clinic is typically introduced after your 15th birthday and is supported by team members from both NEEDS and the Paediatric Diabetes Service.
If you have Type 1 Diabetes, you will be offered the opportunity to attend a young persons DAFNE education course. This is an interactive course designed to provide a refresher on your diabetes knowledge, enabling you to confidently manage your diabetes and alter your insulin doses based on blood glucose trends and dietary intake. As well as look to maintain great control during times of illness and exercise.
Although your parents will still be involved, the transition stage is much more focused on you taking control of your diabetes and becoming independent.
There are a number of online communities available for young people with Type 1 diabetes, including:
JDRF Forums
Diabetes UK Young Adults
Type 1 Uncut (Video)
Digibete is a website app which is designed for anyone up to 25years of age with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It provides information to support living well with diabetes. For further information on downloading the app, follow the link Digibete
Type 1 clinic code 0681W
Type 2 clinic code 0R1PK
If you have Type 2 diabetes you have the option of attending a number of education courses which will help you to learn more about Type 2 diabetes. These include:
Training and resources for schools, colleges and education – for further information on how you can support students within your education facility, please log onto the following link and register for the free online courses: Breakthrough T1D