People Living with Diabetes

The DSN Forum team are the collective embodiment of the values which have made the NHS the cherished institution that it is in the UK.Powered by wise words of Mary Poppins - “in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” - they have seized the opportunities presented by the social media age to build bridges between HCPs and patients, and in so doing have become a trusted, authoritative and above all much-loved source of advice and support to all those living with diabetes, not least throughout the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.Partnership, cooperation and a sense of collective ownership lie at the heart of their work, reflecting the shared responsibility which is so central to living well with diabetes, as well as the founding values of the NHS.

The DSN forum is leading the way in connecting health care professionals with each other and with people living with diabetes on social media, and this has been more important than ever during the COVID pandemic. They provide a a source of information that health care professionals and people living with diabetes rely upon because it is evidence based and it combine this with the pragmatic voice of reason that only comes from extensive clinical experience of helping people on a day to day basis. What a wonderful resource, I am so grateful to the team behind this.

The way these DSN’s go above and beyond, this isn’t a job for these people, it’s a calling. The interaction with the online community is amazing, and helps level the relationship between HCP and the people living with diabetes, top effort everyone.

I like joining in on team 101 quizzes and sometimes #gbdoc chats too. It's nice to learn with friendly people. The online community has allowed me to virtually meet older people with type 1 diabetes which has been important. Always helpful, smiley friendly DSNs with awesome advice. Thank you for giving your time.

The freely given support during the pandemic and enthusiasm from the team for those of us unable to access our local hospital care has been invaluable. With a recent diagnosis and a myriad of unanswered questions as lockdown commenced, my appointments were cancelled meaning I was anxious and scared. Eight months later my knowledge has expanded and I feel empowered to get to grips with my diabetes. My thanks to all.

The help and support from the Diabetes Specialist Nurses is nothing short of outstanding. They're a credit to the profession and I, as a person living with Type 1 Diabetes, am very grateful for all the time they give to me and my peers.

The DSN forum is the critical bridge between people with Diabetes and the healthcare professionals. The way this team gives up their time to help healthcare professionals and those with the condition is amazing. The advice is always helpful and delivered in a way which engages and empathises with the situation and people you’re dealing with. Thank you for all that you’ve done to help people like me!

I think you’re all fantastic. Each and every one of you has raised the bar considerably for DSNs. Your kindness, reassurance and positivity has been so welcome during a very trying 2020.