Overcoming other barriers to change

Prevent the progress of diabetes
NHS Grampian

In addition to self-esteem, stress and emotional wellbeing, a number of other barriers can affect your ability to make changes to your lifestyle.  This section of the app provides sources of help and support to address some other common barriers.

I need support from other people to help me to stay on-track with lifestyle change.

Try the following sources of social support:

Moray Diabetes UK Peer Support Group

  • Peer support group for adults with diabetes, families, and carers.

Diabetes UK Support Forum

  • An online community where you can exchange knowledge and experiences with other people with diabetes, family and carers. To post on the forum you will need to register with an email, username, and password. You can read posts without an account.

ALISS

  • A database where you can find resources, services, groups, and support in local communities and online. You can locate local community support groups by entering your postcode.

I need to communicate better with healthcare professionals

Communication is key in building good relationships with your health care professionals and getting the best possible care. Here are four tips to help you communicate effectively with your GP and other healthcare professionals.

1.Be prepared

  • Think about what you would like to ask the healthcare professional before your visit - see prompts in the section below. You may want to write down your questions and take them with you to your appointment.
  • Use information sources such as NHS inform , Diabetes UK and My Diabetes My Way to make sure you are equipped with information and questions prior to your appointment.
  • Bring a pen and paper to your appointment so you can write down what your professional tells you. 
  • Decide if you want to bring another person, like a caregiver or family member.
  • If English is not your first language, you may want to ask about getting support from an interpreter.

2. Ask questions 

Being prepared to ask questions can make all the difference. Simply by being more involved, you’ll be able to make better decisions about your own care and treatment.

  • If you do not understand something your doctor says, ask them to explain it.
  • Don't be afraid to ask the same question more than once, or ask if your doctor can explain something in a different way. If you need further clarification, consider scheduling a phone conversation or speaking to a nurse or other healthcare provider.

To help you get the most out of your next appointment, here are four key questions it’s worth remembering to ask.

What are the benefits of my treatment?

Your healthcare professional will be able to explain why they think a certain treatment would be the best option for you compared to other treatments available.

What are the risks of my treatment?

Your healthcare professional will be able to explain the risks or possible side effects of your treatment and reassure you about any concerns you may have.

Any alternative treatments I can try?

Your healthcare professional will be able to outline any alternative treatments that may be available to you.

What if I do nothing?

Your healthcare professional can explain what may happen if you choose not to go ahead with your planned treatment.

Download the NHS inform leaflet - It's ok to ask.

3. Share information

  • Tell your healthcare professional about any current symptoms or concerns during your visit. If there are several, consider ranking them in order of how much they are affecting/troubling you.
  • Be brave! Health issues can be hard to talk about, but it is important that your doctor has as much relevant information from you as possible so they can recommend the best possible care.
  • If your doctor does not specifically ask for information you think is important, tell them.

 

4. Get it in writing

  • Ask your healthcare professional to check what you have written or to write down for you what you should do between now and your next visit. This may include instructions for how to take medications, specialists you should see, and/or lifestyle modifications.

I would like to be more confident in using technology

This guide from the ALLIANCE helps people to understand and navigate digital health, care and wellbeing tools and services.

Click on the image below to access the guide.

Discover digital guide

 

Your local public library service will help you with access to a computer and the Internet. They will also help you with basic skills in finding online health information.

I would like to me more confident in using health information

Using quality assured health information resources will help  you to have an informed discussion with your healthcare professionals about what treatment and support options are best for you. Your public library or link worker in your GP practice can  help you to find your way around these resources.

 

For information on condition, symptoms and treatment options, NHS inform is the first place to go for trusted Scottish health information.

www.nhsinform.scot 

My diabetes my way website

This NHS Scotland website provides leaflets, videos, educational tools and games containing information about diabetes. You can  also use this website to view your own up-to-date diabetes clinic results, to help you manage your condition more effectively.

mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk

 

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the leading UK charity for diabetes. Its website provides  a wealth of information, educational courses, advice and support to help people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes to manage the condition well. It provides a helpline, online and face to face support groups which bring people together for support when it's needed most.

www.diabetes.org.uk

 

Cochrane Library

These Plain English summaries from the Cochrane Library are evidence summaries created by patients, researchers and health professionals.​ They use rigorous methodology and focus only on the strongest research evidence. Cochrane Library reviews are very trustworthy, and are often regarded as the gold standard of healthcare evidence. 

www.cochrane.org/evidence

 

SIGN

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN )  is the national source of healthcare guidelines for NHS Scotland. They provide patient booklets which explain the clinical guidelines. This helps you to understand the latest evidence about your diagnosis, treatment options and self care.

www.sign.ac.uk/patient-and-public-involvement/patient-publications/

 

Where can I find information in different languages and formats?

Diabetes UK provides information in a wide variety of languages and formats, including BSL.