09/05/2017
Treating a chronic illness is something Dr. Mick Davidson knows all about. He is an endocrinologist at Wentworth Health Partners Diabetes and Endocrinology Associates, and he also has Type 1 diabetes. Almost six years ago, Dr. Davidson started the only diabetes support group for people with Type 1 diabetes in the Seacoast area.
Research shows that getting support, education and medical updates is an effective way to manage diabetes.
Since 2011, the Type 1 Diabetes Community Support Meeting has evolved to discuss an ever changing array of tools, technology and topics that affect individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Examples of topics the group has discussed include managing blood sugar, new medication options, exercise, diabetes and depression, and more.
These informal quarterly meetings offer patients the opportunity to share ideas and resources about living with Type 1 diabetes.
For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Diabetes Services also offers Diabetes Community Education programs that are offered the fourth Thursday of each month.
These support groups cover a variety of topics designed to help with managing diabetes. Recent topics have included finding fiber, cooking with herbs, medical updates, technology, dealing with stress, adding “super foods” to your menu, the power of exercise, and preventing hypoglycemia.
“I’ve been diabetic for 35 years and never had a chance to be surrounded by others like me. I was beyond excited to find out about this group. There are some things that only other people with diabetes can understand. Being in this diverse group gives greater insight, helpful tips, ideas and most of all support from others who get it!” says Jules, a group participant with Type 1 diabetes.
To learn more about support programs for people living with diabetes available through Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Wentworth Health Partners Diabetes Services, please visit wdhospital.org/diabetes or call (603)740-2887.