DLA and diabetes

wisbech_lad

Is Writing In All Caps A Disabilty Too?

Firefly

My son was also diagnosed with diabetes last week; he's 13. At the moment it feels like a disability but I know that it is a condition that we can adjust to and get on with life in the 'new normal' way.

If you look on the diabetes uk website:

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Guide_to_Diabetes_Archived_pages/Disability_Living_Allowance_-_claim_for_a_child_under_16/

You will find a template to help you complete the form. My experience is that the lowest rate of DLA will compensate in some way for the cost of a really good quality diet. I've spent an absolute fortune on food since last week.

Fiddich

Thanks everyone for the replies, sorry I couldnt reply sooner, as we're just trying to adjust to the new routine, and dont have as much time as we usually have, but no doubt things will eventually get back to normal.
I have discussed this further with my wife, and we are debating whether to apply in 3 months time, we're also going to talk to the nurses and other parents at the diabetic clinic, which we will be attending in the next few weeks.
Firefly, I know what you mean regarding spending a fortune on shopping, all the extras for snacks are costing a fortune :eek: and the extra time we have to take checking the sugar content as well. Its a good job we eat a good healthy diet in anyway, but we still need to be extra careful now.
Regards
Fiddich

Miss_Cinnabon

My son has type 1 and we have always had dla since he was diagnosed with dla, no probs getting it, we get higher rate as while diabetes is not a disabilty it is a long term condition which needs more care than a normal child needs.

dla is not just for disabled people it is also for people who have long term conditions who need higher care, it states this when you apply!

Invalid care allowance can also be claimed in conjuction with dla, we also get this and always have. My sons diabetes nurse helped out with the forms and they will normally have a template that will help you.

If you need any more advice/help then pm anytime

Kyle

missylou_2

If you are a parent then you should know exactly what size of shoes your child requires! (If not, lots of questions should be justifiably asked/ascertained by social services!)

Therefore, why would you need DLA to tell you this?

At worst diabetes is a setback/inconvenience, certainly not a disability, and those who see it as one should certainly re-evaluate their perception of The Welfare State!

davsidipp

missylou wrote: »

If you are a parent then you should know exactly what size of shoes your child requires! (If not, lots of questions should be justifiably asked/ascertained by social services!)

Therefore, why would you need DLA to tell you this?

At worst diabetes is a setback/inconvenience, certainly not a disability, and those who see it as one should certainly re-evaluate their perception of The Welfare State!

i defy telling hubby its not a disiablility he is on insulin and tablets and has been diabetic for seven years his health has got worse and no matter how hard he tries the diabeties gets the better of him not a disability in your eyes then but it is in my husbands case as he gets severe pains in his joints which makes him depressed as for dla its to help their every day life as for some diabeties is hard to control and that is what the wefare state is for!

missylou_2

Actually the Welfare State is for those who are in a position where they are unable to help themselves, not for those who choose not to!

What sort of state would this country be in if all diabetics declined to take ownership of, and work at controlling their condition?

margaretclare

Hi

I disagree that having diabetes means that food is going to be more expensive.

We are a pair of wrinklies, DH has been Type II diabetic since 1981, an insulin-user since 1996. We both eat the same food - he doesn't need special food separate from me! You mentioned 'diabetic chocolate'. For some years now Diabetes UK has disapproved of the use of this. It's sweetened with sorbitol as a sugar substitute, and sorbitol is a very powerful laxative. If you must eat chocolate there is no reason why a diabetic can't eat a small amount of normal chocolate. Normally, however, we don't buy any sweets, chocolates, puddings, cakes or biscuits. All these items are unnecessary in a normal healthy diet. We never eat puddings as part of a meal, we eat fresh fruit instead. Snacks are not essential if you are eating properly. What any diabetic needs to have easily accessible is a small packet of Lucozade glucose sweets in case of 'hypo', temporary treatment, easy to carry in the pocket or bag, and either a bottle of Lucozade or Coca-cola indoors. DH always has his glucose sweets along with his testing kit - he has some in the car and another set on his desk. He keeps a bottle of Lucozade by his bedside.

There is a condition called 'brittle diabetes' in which the diabetes is much more difficult to control than the ordinary kind. We have 2 friends who have this. It's a much more serious problem, but is not as common as the ordinary kind of diabetes.

Margaret

sleepymy

I think some posters should remember that illness effects everyone in different ways and to different degrees.

missylou_2

sleepymy wrote: »

I think some posters should remember that illness effects everyone in different ways and to different degrees.

Yes that is true and few would disagree, however, diabetes is not an illness, it is a chronic medical condition. Two very different situations!