Helping diabetics

Dear Editor It is fitting to mark the recent Diabetes Week for Scotland’s 30,000 adults and children living with Type 1 diabetes by noting that life-changing monitors are now available on the NHS.

A child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at five faces 50,000 finger prick blood glucose tests by the time they are 18.

As someone who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 21 years, new technology, such as the FreeStyle Libre, makes a world of difference.

Until we find the cure for Type 1 diabetes, research and technology are vital. Holly Davies, Development Manager East Scotland, JDRF Dear Editor

It was encouraging to see your report “Benefits taking a pounding” in last week’ edition.

It was, however, less heartening to read in the fifth paragraph that the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) “is for people aged between 16 and 24”. That second number should be 64.

As a clinical psychologist, I work with many people who find themselves largely at the mercy of the DWP for every penny they need to survive.

There is already enough confusion about benefits, and people can easily be put off making a claim for something to which they are entitled. These details matter.

More generally, over the past couple of months, the Reformer has done a good job of highlighting important social issues (e.g. increasing foodbank use). I very much hope this is the beginning of a sustained approach to community journalism.

I hope also that new media developments such as The Ferret will continue to be a positive influence on Media Scotland’s many newspapers.

Compassionate and thoughtful journalism is vital if we are ever to create a kinder, fairer society — something that ultimately benefits us all. Dr Simon Stuart High Burnside