This was the title of a talk by Dr Zoë Waller of the University College London School of Pharmacy, where she leads a team researching DNA. Zoë gave an introduction to DNA. Our bodies have many different types of cells and inside the cell is a nucleus. Within the nucleus are chromosomes, which are made…
Meeting notes
Is obesity a choice?
This was the title of a talk by the world-renowned Cambridge-based genetic scientist Dr Giles Yeo that we were privileged to have talk to the group. Being overweight or obese carries a lot of stigma in our society, seen as people who can’t control what they eat, who make poor choices, are lazy etc. But…
Healthwatch & a new research project
HealthWatch We welcomed Rebwar Hussein, Engagement Officer for Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to the meeting. Healthwatch are a statutory body and every part of the country has one, funded by the local authority. The aim is to improve health and care services for local people, and they act as an independent champion. They listen to…
Low carb diets & remission of Type 2 diabetes
Covid-19 vaccinations Denis Payne told us that Firs House Surgery expect to call patients for their second jab at 10 weeks, and you will receive a matching vaccine – the same type as your first. Peer support Mike announced that he’s added the word ‘peer’ to the group name to make it clearer what we…
Diabetes research – help them to help us
Coping with urges and cravings Dr Rebecca Richards gave us a presentation on how to deal with urges and cravings. This is applicable not just to resisting the temptation of biscuits and cakes, but dealing with any unwanted thoughts. The fancy term for the method is ‘cognitive defusion’, which is itself based on acceptance and…
Healthy You services
The services include prevention of obesity, healthy eating, exercise, adult weight management, stop smoking services, falls prevention and NHS health checks. Currently all services are delivered virtually. Adult weight management A 12 week course open to anyone motivated to lose weight and with a BMI greater than 25. There are nutritionist-led group discussions, fun exercise…
Updates on services and a new trial
East Anglia Eye Screening Service update We welcomed Nadine Rash, Deputy Programme Manager, East Anglia Diabetic Eye Screening Programme to give an update on their services. The main eye screening service was suspended mid-march to mid-July, the only exceptions being high risk and pregnant patients. Since the service resumed they have seen patients with mild eye…
Diabetes & Covid-19
We welcomed Eddie Johnston, Research Communications Officer, Diabetes UK to tell us about what research has shown about the risks of Covid-19 to those with diabetes. He gave a very interesting talk, which was based on data collected and analysed up to June this year. The main points were: There is no evidence so far…
Q & A with Firs House Surgery
Questions from the HI Diabetes Support Group, answers from Marie Rouse, Firs House SurgeryHOW FIRS HOUSE DEALS WITH PATIENTS WITH DIABETES – PRE-COVID 19Several years ago you saw a nurse+GP for annual check, and nurse for 6 months, with test results sent afterwards by letter. Now it seems that it is just yourself as Advanced Practitioner Nurse that sees patients. No…
Type 2 Diabetes: How we put it into remission
For this meeting two group members told the story of how they were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and how they moved forward into remission. M began to tell his story. He never felt he was obese. His father was T2D and he felt it was inevitable. He was diagnosed 15 years ago and was…