Every year on the 14 ^th November the world turns blue in support of the millions of diabetics worldwide. This year is no different. Right now millions of superheroes get ready to don their capes from carers, to parents, to diabetic teams to friends and family and most importantly diabetics themselves.

This year the theme is the ‘Nurse and Diabetes’ which celebrates the truly wonderful work millions of nurses do in support of individuals with diabetes, but I ask you this ‘What defines the definition of a nurse?’.

I ask you to look at the cover photo of this story and study it for a few moments. As you do ask yourself these questions, what do these ladies have in common? Is one more qualified than the others?

Ready to move on…  

T o answer your question what these ladies all have in common is they all care for someone with Type One diabetes.

First the Support worker who for the last two years has cared for me, a type 1 diabetic of 27 years. Every visit she reminds me to check my bloods hourly sometimes more if needed, assists getting me sugar if my blood is low, running to grab my insulin from the fridge when I run out and being my support when my diabetes just gets too much for me at times.

Next the healthcare assistant that goes from door to door giving diabetics their insulin injections. Checking that their blood sugars are stable, making sure their HBA1C is in range. Checking on their wellbeing and being there for them when they can’t get to see anyone.

Finally my mum who for 27 years, has cared for me and my diabetes, has had endless sleepless nights checking my blood sugar, making sure they don’t dip too low and I slip into a coma, sitting at my bedside in intensive care as my diabetes spirals too high out of control as my body cannot fight off another infection.

Only one of these ladies is qualified, but does that make the other two less capable? In my eyes they are all nurses as they all look after me in their own unique way.

JDRF Theme

Whilst the national theme for every diabetic association is Diabetes and the Nurse, JDRF has its own campaign it runs every year called #type1superheros and recognises the fact that having diabetes is a big deal and at times we need our own superheroes around us in the disguises of friends and family, teachers and pupils and work colleagues and healthcare assistants.

The ladies in the picture above may not be qualified nurses but they are all superheroes.

How you can help!

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on the 14 ^th November, I am asking you to please spread the word. Please click on the link below where nearer the time you will be able to download posters and add a social media filter. Please get your superheroes outfit out for someone you know with diabetes and you too can become a #type1superhero.

To find out more about the work of JDRF and world diabetes day please visit their website. https://jdrf.org.uk/world-diabetes-day-2020

To find out more about my story please keep an eye out for my next blog.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes