Well the day arrived. Having made the journey from Alicante in south eastern Spain to Geneva via Madrid in time for lunch I was fortunate enough to meet up with both Tim from everyone’s favourite British Diabetes blog and Yoan from everyone’s favourite Health Communication Specialist from Medtronic.

Tim in Lake Geneva

After negotiating the dizzy heights of the train from Geneva to Lausanne we were introduced to our digs for the stay, which was even more welcome after having to climb the mini glacier to get there!

We were frog marched, sorry patiently guided through out the beautiful city of Lausanne and was treated to mini tour via many delights such as the Olympic Museum, the Marina which sits on Lake Geneva.  Thank you Yoan!

Tim & Yoan - IOC Museum

After many hours gallivanting around, being massively entertained by Tim we retired in order to pretty ourselves in order to meet up with the rest of the working party over dinner.

A fun filled evening over drinks and dinner was a great opportunity to sit down and talk openly about diabetes, about what they hoped to gain from the meeting and so forth.

A great time was had by all and Yoan finally was able to retire after making sure Tim and I did not create any trouble or bring Medtronic in disrepute!

Saturday arrived, followed by mountainous volumes of breakfast eaten by all the invited attendees, followed by a mini bus ride that made F1 drivers look pretty poor, and he would certainly not look out of place driving a taxi here in Spain!

We arrived at a rather bland industrial area were shepherded into a vault, subjected to a strip search and forced to sign away our rights in the form of Non Disclosure Agreements.

Medtronic HQ, Switzerland

The meeting began with a short introduction by all in attendance, whilst providing a summary of the days proceedings. The main focus of the day was really for Medtronic to discuss what people think about their company and what can they do about it.  How Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter can help patients interact directly with a company the size of Medtronic and vice versa.

We were given access to see some of their latest products, their thinking for future development and how they interact with customers on a daily basis.

It was apparent that the team presenting to us were extremely enthusiastic and that said enthusiasm swept through the meeting room all day.  We managed to grab a sneak peak at some the products being developed and given an insight into their way of thinking.  Obviously I would love to say more but I would have to fear for one’s own life I were to say anything!!

Lunch soon arrived and we were given a tour of the fantastic facilities including the “pacemaker” factory and where legend tell us about puppies in the factory!! Want to find out more about Puppies and Lake Geneva.

An important topic of the day was the use of Social Media such as facebook, twitter and other applications that allow for greater interaction with customers.

This is why we were brought in I guess! One of the things I mentioned was being able to use social media sites to not only communicate information/news but also to manage their online reputation/brand.

A thoroughly good day, with lots of great chatter, plenty of laughter, whilst working towards the common goal of improving patient care, improving health care products and improving lives.

Medtronic HQ, Switzerland

We were extremely well looked after by Medtronic, noting that whilst they were hosting the meeting they were keen to demonstrate their unbiased nature of this event throughout.

It was then for us to say Bon Voyage and head back home.

Thanks to everyone that I met, it was a pleasure and a privilege and look forward to the next meet up.

Saludos

Mike

Please note: Medtronic kindly picked up the tab for the flights, hotel and select meals over the 2 days together with Tim’s bar tab!  Not at any stage did Medtronic ask for anything from the attendees nor asked us to write about or champion Medtronics products to a global audience.

Obviously they would expect that we would write about events in Switzerland including the Medtronic Puppies!

Novo Nordisk Withdraws More Insulin, this time from the UK market. As reported in the Herald Scotland,thousands of diabetic patients face changing medication as a pharmaceutical giant plans to withdraw a key treatment from the UK, creating extra work for the NHS at a time when hundreds of jobs are ­facing the axe.

This is the 2nd such announcement from Novo Nordisk stating that they are to withdraw insulin. The last announcement which is affecting Greece were for financial reasons, however it just feels plain wrong none the less.

Did they consult the end user of this product, the patient? Could they have consulted patients? What about medical professionals? Did anyone at Novo Nordisk actually stop to think about their actions, especially when they have critical ramifications.

Come on Novo Nordisk.. You guys need to get on the ball. Start communicating properly with patients and their care providers. If at the end of the day it has to be done, then make the process easier for the people that need to change insulin! But do it properly, please!!

In terms of Diabetes, Novo Nordisk is on a par with BP in terms of reputation, so you guys need to start working on this side of your game! What’s insulin is going to be next? Which country?

PS: For the record I use NovoRapid..

I have the pleasure of being invited to participate in the 1st ever Diabetes & The Internet Forum by Medtronic. Taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland this coming weekend.

The main discussing points for this inaugural event are;

• State of the diabetes industry – diabetes technology overview
• How the internet changed our lives – as patients

Obviously there will be lots more taking place and plenty more chatter I’m sure.

I’m delighted that Tim from Shoot Up or Put Up will be joining me together with his easel as we make our way along Lake Geneva.

You can of course find out more from Tim directly, because he writes better than me! Yay for Tim! Please do stop by the Shoot up site and you will more than likely be able to follow the Lausanne shenanigans this coming weekend.

Hey there folks!

A short post today. Some minor updates to the site which we hope you like and includes a nifty blood glucose calculator for peeps who wish to know what it means in the UK/USA. That can be found on the right hand side of page through out the site.

So what else is new?

New information for people interested in Victoza from Novo Nordisk, which is certainly making waves within the Diabetes Community.

Hablas Español!
Version Español disponsible aqui!

Further information is available!

Please Read — Disclaimer!

Indications and Usage
Victoza® is an injectable prescription medicine that improves blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes when used with a diet and exercise program.

Victoza® is not insulin. It is not known if Victoza® is safe and effective when used with insulin. Victoza® is not for people with type 1 diabetes or people with diabetic ketoacidosis. Victoza® is not recommended for use in children.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to both my Mum and Dad. Although not a close journey in terms of Diabetes, we are still a very close family. Today is my 12 year anniversary of Type 1 Diabetes.. Here is a parents perspective on those very events 12 long years ago!

It’s alarming when you see your 20 year old child, the reason for your being, the joy of your life, withering away in front of your eyes.

You know that as a young adult you have to give them their own space and sense of independence; you also know you still have to be there for them, watching out for life’s nastiest creeping up on them.

You know there is something wrong, but you don’t know what; they are not the same, they physically look different, and no matter how hard you try and how much you don’t believe it; you are still worried beyond belief that he or she is on drugs.

When Michael was first diagnosed with diabetes it was almost a relief; I say almost, because diabetes is not that great a condition to be diagnosed with, but compared to the spiral into an addict’s way of life, well frankly it was a relief. It was also a relief to know that it was not something more critical like cancer.

Michael was a good looking, happy, sports mad, youngster.  Played football, cricket, golf, and loved to Ski, he also enjoyed music and clubbing and had always seemed like a sensible kid.  He was!

But his weight loss (and he didn’t carry much in the first place) was alarming and his energy levels were so, so low; this was not the son I knew, not the boy I had played cricket with, not the son who could ski the pants off of me.  Oh how I hoped and prayed he was not doing drugs and how I hoped and prayed that he was not “really ill”.

I remember well the middle of the night pee some 12 years ago that woke me and his mum, and when I went to see if he was alright he told me that he really felt very unwell and was peeing for England and had an unquenchable thirst.

It hit me then and I just “knew” what it was and I told him not to worry and to go to the doctor first thing in the morning.

I had to leave early to sit an exam, nothing like as critical as the examination that Michael would undergo; and we both failed, not that I blame him.

Would we have preferred that he only “had a virus”? Without doubt, but nonetheless, his diagnosis was a relief, even if only partially.

My Mum and I

Rightly or wrongly, I pretended to take the view that it was his problem and that it was only diabetes, I so wanted to play it down. Not in denial but wanted to be matter of fact about it. My tears were kept for me and his mum.

I know it maybe sounds brutal; but ultimately it was Michael who had to control his sugars, his diet and his insulin.  We could prepare all of the food, offer all of the reminders, go to all of the web pages, and buy all of the books, but it was Michael who had to read them, eat it, take his readings and inject.

In Bristol we also had a magnificent ambassador in Gary Mabbut who was leading a brilliantly successful life with diabetes.

I ached and his mum ached, and if either of us could have swapped places we would have done so in a heartbeat, but we couldn’t.  We could not protect Michael from this, we could not put barriers around him to stop it getting in; it was already there.

I am not sure if we ever sat and really spoke in depth about it (sometimes I can’t remember what I have had for breakfast) I am sure that we did, but maybe not as deeply as perhaps we might have.  Again, didn’t want to make a big deal of it.

Diabetes, does not just affect those who get it; it affects their family and those who care about them too; the difference is that eventually we recover.

A Diabetes in Spain (Special) from Allan Young; Cheers Dad

Yay! Today is my Diabetes Anniversary..

No, it’s not just about a friends birthday (Happy Birthday Ian) nor is it all about St Georges Day.

Way back in 1998, I was admitted to the Bristol Royal Infirmary in you guessed it Bristol, UK. Having had a pretty poorly run up to this point that had lasted some weeks, it was I guess finally a relief for myself and my parents who secretly worried. However as I was 20 going on 8 at the time their was little they could was watch from the sidelines.

Having 2 small children I can understand the stress involved when seeing a child go from great health to poor health very quickly for no apparent reason.. Here is a parents point of view!

For me it was a blur, going out to work and feeling like rubbish, going out and feeling like rubbish, going to bed and feeling even worse! Without knowing what was happening and certainly not recognising the signs of Diabetes, it was really was a relief of sorts when I finally made an appointment with the Doctor, rattled of as many of the classic symptoms of Diabetes as I could including such favourites as peeing lots and drinking lots more!

The Doctor calmly told me she was 99.99999% sure I had diabetes and whilst I was providing a pee sample had arranged with the hospital to expect my immediate arrival in the resuscitation room. I thought the room was needed for more urgent cases but as I had a fear of needles, the possibility of blacking out was quite high!

Whiz thru the years to 2010 and that time has flown by. I have been lucky enough to have avoided causing any major damage to myself but will admit that my fingers are really sore now.. Really do need a telepathic meter..

I have also experienced Diabetes Healthcare in 3 countries which are the UK, USA and of course Spain. Each system has it’s flaw and each has it strengths. I can not fault either one and have been supported and looked after wonderfully well by each system.

So at the moment I fighting relatively healthy, weight is ok, body is hanging on in there. HbA1c is a little high but on a downward path as opposed to an upward path.

I have 2 little lads that run me ragged but provide great amusement everyday and every night. My hope is that I can write the very same thing in 10 years time.

So here is to the next 10 years. Here’s to hope! Hoping that better diabetes technology will be developed and available to all to allow for better personal/self management of Diabetes. Hoping that a better understanding of the disease has developed. Hoping that there is a greater awareness through out the world, there by reducing the number of people who live with Diabetes without knowing.

Here’s to good health and good life!

¡Saludos a todas!

Stranded? Running out of medicine? What next and what can you do if you need emergency supplies!

The eruption of Iceland latest volcano may be causing mayhem around the globe with the travel industry grinding to a halt, but the problems some travellers will face will be an even greater eruption if they run out of their prescribed medication.

So what can you do here in Spain?

Well you can be reassured that access to medicine like insulin, strips for testing and tablets such as metformin are available over the counter at most Pharmacies (Farmacias) through out Spain without the need for a medical prescription.

Now Over the Counter charges apply and you will be charged full retail price for the items. As a guide only;

• Lantus Insulin = €75 (Pack of 5 pre-filled pens)
• Accu-Chek Aviva Test Strips = €44

You will be given a fully itemised receipt that hopefully enable you to claim the costs of purchasing essential medication from your travel insurance company! If you do not receive one, please ASK for one!

What if you don’t have travel insurance?
If you happen to have the EHIC (European Health Card) then it may be advisable to locate the nearest National Health Clinic (Centro de Salud) in your location. “They” may be able to help very short-term ie; 24/48 Hours but they do not usually carry medication in stock.

What if you have private travel insurance?
Again it may be worth contacting you insurers, asking for their advice? It would also be wise to contact if possible your health care team/gp for further instructions as they may be able to contact/speak with your insurers directly verifying you are need in of more medication.

Whilst the above advice is certainly not going to get you complimentary medicine, it is hoped that if circumstances determined that you are going to run out then at the very least you will be able to stay healthy!

Stay safe and stay healthy

Saludos

Hey everyone,

Hopefully you can see that Diabetesinspain.com has applied a shiny new lick of paint showering the site with warm and bright colouring.

Nothing has been changed apart for the aesthetic pleasure you will enjoy whilst browsing our site.

What we did want to achieve was a clearer layout, making it easier to navigate around the site. Hopefully we have achieved that, however we are open to very constructive feedback and freely welcome pat on the backs, high 5′s, boxes of chocolates and much more….

If you happen to find a bug any where, please get in touch via our contact form..

Many thanks to you all

Saludos

The first meter with plug & play diabetes management software. Woohoo!

The problem is that this particular, innovative product will not be available to persons residing in Spain!

Whilst this product may not be suitable for all persons with Diabetes, it can and will be an excellent product for some.

A brief run-down on what we are missing here;

Key Features

Just insert a test strip and plug into a whole new world of diabetes management.

• Integrated AutoLog technology for intuitive meal marking
• Brightly colored display and lighted test strip port – easy to read everywhere and anytime
• Text messages instead of error codes
• Rechargeable battery that can charge from any USB port
• USB connector and integrated diabetes management software from Bayer
• Date and time synchronization with the computer for accurate result tracking
• 2000-test memory

Uses Bayer’s CONTOUR™ technology

• No Coding™ Technology
• Minimises effects of many common interfering substances
• Automatic control solution marking

You can read further about the USB Meter here on the Bayer UK Site.

But why no Spain, I hear you ask? Well at the moment I can not give anyone a answer however I have been in touch with the US Corporate Director to ask why they decided that persons with Diabetes residing in Spain should not have access to what could potentially be a life changing product.

I’m hopeful that an answer will arrive shortly!!

Incidentally, Bayer has a pretty decent presence here in Spain. The USB meter uses existing strips from the contour range and uses the same measurements as the USA (mg/dl).

I would personally like to try out the meter. I am currently using an Accu Chek Aviva Nano and whilst pretty and has nice lights, the meter’s performance is disappointing and I feel I can no longer trust the meter any more. Not a good sign for all parties concerned.

Here’s to hope and some answers from the Bayer HQ.. Bye for now..

Haidee S. Merritt is a self-proclaimed realist who knows, after 38 years of diabetes, how real the disease is. The collection of cartoons in her book One Lump Or Two: Things That Suck About Being Diabetic (www.HaideeMerritt.com) spans a period of more than a decade, starting out as nothing more than a few doodles and growing to represent a lifetime of personal struggles and experiences.

This perspective is rare: a bitter yet honest look at living with this disease since her diagnoses of Type 1 at age 2.

“When it comes to communicating with others about diabetes, I wholeheartedly believe in the need for opening up new approaches and energies. I find that illustration works best for me. I believe cartoons can really reach people who are reluctant to embrace traditional supports and therapies.

The art-therapy aspect of it is really amazing; it’s quite soothing to squirrel myself away and gnaw on the bitter nuts I’d been storing my whole life. So, not only are the cartoons a way for me to confront and accept things, but they have given me a way to tell other people about it. People ask questions after they read the book; it starts a necessary dialogue and makes every topic approachable.”

Midnight Banquets

You will laugh at her cartoons – they’re perfect for those who have lived with diabetes and know the many and varied experiences life brings when coping with a disease 24/7.

Her goal is to become a Celebrated Diabetic Personality and she has an opinion on just about everything, so just ask.

Reach her directly at hsmerritt@comcast.net.