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Zuckerschnuten: How a woman from Preetz supports families with diabetes!
Andrea Witt, diabetes consultant and founder of the self-help group “Zuckerschnuten”, offers valuable support for affected families in Plön. On November 22nd they celebrate 25 years of experience and exchange.
Zuckerschnuten: How a woman from Preetz supports families with diabetes!
A nice place to find support is the “Zuckerschnuten” self-help group, which was founded by the experienced diabetes consultant Andrea Witt. Her personal story as the mother of a child with type 1 diabetes - which began 25 years ago when her daughter was diagnosed at the age of two - has inspired her to support other parents and children in similar situations. In the group, parents and those affected can exchange ideas and find solutions together to master the challenging everyday life of diabetes. This reports kn online.
Witt, who trained as a nurse to become a diabetes educator, makes it a priority for parents not to search for information on the Internet in the first three months after their child's diagnosis. “That can often unsettle more than help,” she says as a reason. Her own experience in the hospital, where she received inadequate information, motivated her to create a guide for affected families. This support that she offers around the clock is extremely valuable for many.
Diabetes at a glance
Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that affect how the body uses sugar (glucose). This glucose is an important source of energy for muscles, tissues and the brain. There are different forms of diabetes, including the typical types 1 and 2, as well as conditions such as prediabetes and gestational diabetes. The Mayo Clinic describes that all types of diabetes can lead to an increase in blood sugar, which can lead to serious health problems.
The symptoms of diabetes vary depending on blood sugar levels. Common complaints include increased thirst, frequent urination, unwanted weight loss and fatigue. Particularly with type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, those affected and their families must constantly monitor their glucose levels and pay attention to their food intake.
Support networks for those affected
In order to overcome the challenge of living with diabetes, those affected can also rely on regional and national self-help organizations. This includes, for example, German Diabetics Association, which acts as an advocacy group for people with diabetes and organizes numerous self-help groups. These networks offer valuable information and support, be it through training, information events or simply by exchanging experiences.
One of Witt's central concerns is to organize gatherings for children and families. These meetings not only create community, but also promote exchange among children, who are often confronted with bullying and exclusion. On November 22nd, the Zuckerschnuten will celebrate their 25th anniversary in the community center in Dersau and will offer numerous activities that are fun and strengthen cooperation.
Support from support groups and community is invaluable to everyone. When those affected share their stories and help each other, a strong community is created that makes it easier for people with diabetes to overcome their challenges and look to the future with optimism.