This year, during Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland launched a brand-new podcast series to provide further information and support to those living with or affected by diabetes in Northern Ireland.
Recent statistics indicate that nearly 112,000 people are living with the condition, and a further 66,000 people are considered to have prediabetes.
Lisa Flavelle, Associate Lecturer at Belfast MET offered instrumental support to the Diabetes UK NI team, providing access to the college’s recording suite and technical guidance to help them record the initial round of episodes in the series.
The first six episodes, which are hosted by Suzy Hull, Healthcare Engagement Manager at Diabetes UK NI, explore what it can be like for a person who is newly diagnosed with diabetes.
In conversation with healthcare professionals across a variety of roles and Trust areas, these episodes provide a focus on who people will meet as part of their diabetes care team, what appointments will cover and important tips to keep in mind to help ease the process for them.
Tina McCrossan, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland National Director, said:
“We are thrilled that, with the kind support of Belfast MET, our team is in a strong position to take this project forward and reach even more people living in Northern Ireland who live with or are at risk of diabetes.
“It is our hope that this series will provide more support to people living with the condition, sharing useful information about what to expect at various stages of their journey with diabetes. It also shines a light on how they are not alone and that there is a fantastic network of healthcare professionals and people with similar experiences that that they can look to for guidance.
"To end each episode, the guests provide their ‘top tip’ or piece of advice for someone living with or affected by diabetes; this can be anything from preparing for appointments to celebrating the good days.
“Podcasts are such a popular way for people to source information nowadays, with nearly half of the adult population in Northern Ireland listening to podcasts. Through this new platform we’re really glad to be able to offer a wealth of information in our conversations with healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes, that people can take on board in a convenient way and at their own pace.”
Tina continued:
“We have a fantastic programme of topics coming up in the months ahead, some of which will include hearing from members of Our Lives Our Voices, a youth project for young people aged 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. We hope listeners enjoy the new series and encourage you to share with anyone you know who could benefit from this information and support.”
Alan Serplus, Belfast MET Curriculum Area Manager, Media & Music, said:
"I loved working with Diabetes UK NI on this podcasting project. Belfast MET Film & Television School at E3 Studios are always keen to share the knowledge and experience of staff and students through these live projects and as a mentor it's a real pleasure seeing them come to fruition.
"This project was particularly enjoyable as the Diabetes UK NI Podcast team were fantastic. They have created a very informative Podcast with a warm and welcoming atmosphere which those with an interest in the subject will find invaluable."
Listen now
Let’s Talk Diabetes is available to listen to on Spotify, Apple and Acast. New episodes drop the first Monday of every month – make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
