Diabetes diagnosis was a real surprise for gym-and-swim woman

MAY MILLWARD can vividly remember the day she knew her life was going to be very different.

She’d been for her usual Saturday morning gym-and-swim session.

Then it was time for her relaxing treat in the sauna. But moments after she stepped out, she was unconscious on the changing room floor.

May, 62, ended up in hospital with fears that there may be a problem with her heart.

The reality, though, was different – she had become one of the four million-plus people in the UK living with diabetes.

“It was a real bolt out of the blue,” May, from Philpstoun near Linlithgow, told The Sunday Post of her diagnosis 10 years ago.

“When I passed out I thought it was from being dehydrated because I hadn’t taken water into the sauna with me.

“At the back of my mind I was aware that I was probably at risk because I was a bit overweight and there was a history of diabetes in the family.

“But it was still a real shock as I hadn’t noticed any other symptoms and even my doctor was sceptical when it came to doing the testing.”

Initially, May’s Type 2 diabetes was kept under control by diet but the progression of the disease meant she eventually had to go on to medication.

“You start off really motivated with the diet but it can be hard to keep it going,” admits retired HR manager May. “And I had a problem with some of the pills as they can lead to your blood sugar becoming very low and I’ve had a few really scary moments with hypos.”

May started attending a local support group but it was floundering and, rather than see it go under, she took over as chair in 2009.

Since then, the renamed West Lothian Diabetes Scotland Group has gone from strength to strength.

So much so it’s being hailed by medical professionals for the amazing transformation in its members’ fortunes.

“At the lowest of the old group we had only six people attending a meeting – now we have more than 250 members.

“One of the things I wanted to do was organise some kind of exercise but health staff I spoke to said it would never work as that’s one of the biggest challenges they face.”

May helped the completely voluntary, self-financed group get grants and organise local personal trainers. In the past two years, the sessions have become massively popular with scores taking part, aged from 21 to late 70s.

There are even new sessions that can be down sitting down for those with mobility or other problems.

“As well as the physical side we’ve had people who were depressed but are now the life and soul of the party,” adds May. “It’s just such fun.”

The group’s success is being heralded by Diabetes Scotland as something others could emulate as Diabetes Week gets under way today.

The theme is Setting the Record Straight as the condition – which over half-a-million have without realising it – is still very much misunderstood.

Visit diabetes.org.uk for more info.

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