DRWF Diabetes Wellness Morning South event report: Keeping cool at this summer’s hot ticket
Managing diabetes in hot weather, when travelling and going on holiday.
Trains, planes, boats and automobiles were all in discussion as DRWF welcomed guests to our recent Diabetes Wellness Morning South with a focus on travel and looking after yourself with diabetes.
The annual event returned to The Solent Hotel and Spa at Whiteley, Hampshire on 27th June as part of our United Through Diabetes programme.
DRWF Diabetes Wellness Mornings provide a relaxed, informal setting where you can learn about the many aspects of managing your diabetes. Family members, friends and carers are encouraged to attend.
Inform. Inspire. Empower.
Lee Calladine, DRWF Event Co-ordinator, reported from the event: “When I chose the topic for this year’s annual Diabetes Wellness Morning many months ago, I had no idea we would experience some of the hottest UK temperatures on record the week before the event.
“The timing could not have been better for bringing people together to discuss all the challenges hot (and cold) weather, travel and holidays present to people living with diabetes.
“The morning of the event stayed on theme with the Mercury rising all week to ensure we greeted our guests in a very humid 28°C and that was by 8am! Thankfully the aircon in the hotel was working a treat, and a cool breeze was blowing in from some of the open doors.
“After coffee, tea, breakfast rolls and a special dedicated hour to visit and chat with all our visiting experts in the exhibition room, everyone took their seats for the main talk which focused on Managing diabetes in hot weather, when travelling and going on holiday.
“I joined Dr Mayank Patel, Consultant in Diabetes at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and member of the DRWF Editorial Advisory Board, to take our delegates on a deep dive into all the things we need to consider and plan for when going on holiday, whether that is a beach holiday in Greece, hiking in the Lake District, a fun trip to Disney World, jetting off on a plane, boarding a cruise liner, or loading up a camper van for a wilderness adventure.
“For the newly diagnosed and uninitiated managing the effects of hot weather on their diabetes can be an unexpected challenge and planning travel and a holiday is a huge learning curve. Thankfully there are lots of resources and information to help guide you. There is so much to think about.
“After some great questions from the audience we stopped for another coffee break and a chance for delegates to meet our visiting experts from Dexcom, Insulet, Funky Pumpers, Noctura, Chat Over Chai, the Solent Diabetes Association, Hampshire Fire Brigade’s Home Safety team, Open Sight, DRWF, Type 1 Origins Comic Books, The Solent Hotel Gym and Exercise team, The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Diabetic Eye Screening Team and Xyla Health who run the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Type 2 Path to Remission Programmes. A huge thank you to all of them for joining us to support the event and everyone there.
“Next was our popular Diabetes Question Time where the audience got to ask their burning questions on a range of diabetes topics from tablets to insulin, how to keep sensors stuck on in hot weather, foot care, HbA1c tests, diet and exercise in the summer and much more.
“We concluded the event with a thanks to everyone and the prize draw of an afternoon tea for two that was kindly donated by Claire Lunt at the Solent Hotel and Spa. Prem Thatcher from Portsmouth’s Chat over Chai group was the lucky winner drawn from the hat. Enjoy your afternoon tea Prem and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!”
DRWF Travelling with diabetes resources
Travelling with diabetes means that we have more to think about before embarking on our journey. Being prepared well in advance of travel is key to a safe, healthy and happy experience.
Read our guidance on how to plan for that long-awaited-trip, whether hot or cold, by air, sea, rail or road. We hope this guide will help you as you embark on your next adventure.
Visit the DRWF information page on Travelling with diabetes
Read more on Preparing for hot weather and travel with diabetes this summer
For news on all upcoming DRWF Events visit here
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