Building knowledge, confidence and healthier lives through accessible health information
Diabetes is a health condition that is becoming increasingly common but is not always well understood. The topic was chosen in response to requests from people with learning disabilities who told us they wanted more information about how to manage their health and any diabetes diagnosis. The video below has been designed to provide clear, accessible information about the condition, helping people to better understand it and recognise the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and know where to seek support.
It also shares a positive example of how people can be supported to take an active role in managing their health. During the project, we highlighted the experience of an individual who was supported to self-manage their diabetes at home using a glucose monitoring sensor. This case study demonstrates how, with the right information, tools and support, people with learning disabilities can develop greater confidence in managing long-term health conditions.
I used to feel tired, thirsty a lot of the time and wanted to go to the toilet a lot…I told my GP about these symptoms and they arranged for a blood test. The blood test showed that I had diabetes. Doctors gave me advice on how to manage my diabetes.
Local resident
The benefits of effective partnership working are clear, with primary care and secondary care services working together to support the individual to understand their condition, monitor their health and maintain their wellbeing. By responding directly to the topics people told us they wanted to learn more about, all our Accessible Health videos aim to increase knowledge, build confidence and support people with learning disabilities to take an active role in their healthcare.
Improving Understanding of Diabetes
In this video, we hear from Pam as she shares more about what diabetes is, how it can be managed with the right support and information, and how surgeries can best advise and communicate this to people with learning disabilities.