Illness that can run in family

Nov 1 2007 by Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader

FORMER nurse Iris Beamand has a family history of Type 2 diabetes.

Her mother and three brothers all have the condition.

“I was diagnosed 10 years ago and my condition is controlled through medication and following a healthy diet.

“It is important to keep a regular check on your condition and check your blood sugar levels to avoid developing any complications.

“You have to make sure that your blood sugars don’t get too high or too low and learn to recognise the signs if this is about to happen.

“A lot of people think if you are diagnosed with diabetes it’s just a question of taking a pill to control it.

“But there’s a lot more to it than that and when you are first diagnosed it’s an awful lot to take in.

“We are lucky in Cynon Valley as we have the peer support group project as it’s a great help to meet together and discuss problems and ideas, “ said Mrs Beamand, of Brynheulog, Perthcelyn.

“Living with diabetes becomes a way of life but the one thing I really miss is a big bar of chocolate,” she added.