Table Box 8.

Patient 5: ‘Good–Good’

Case history

A 70‐year‐old, recently widowed man, who on entry to the study had had diabetes for 18 years. His son and daughter live nearby. When I first became diabetic…I read an article in the paper so I went up to see the doctor about it…. I rang the hospital and found out that they did courses and we went down and learnt all about diabetes ….. So I was being very well looked after you know before the calls. So this (PACCTS) was just a bit extra, kind of. He thought that the PACCTS would be very good.

Perspective at baseline

They phone me every three months and I have to tell them all my readings for a couple of weeks and then they say, ‘brilliant YYY, see you in another three months’. He was also was in control, and PACCTS has reinforced this. I know my own diet and I know what to do… I know when to eat, what to eat, how to eat, go for a walk round.

I’m controlling my own diet. In terms of blood glucose monitoring, I check it everyday, it doesn’t matter whether they ring or not, you know. I just check it for me own reasons.

Perspective at 2‐year follow‐up

I’ve been pretty steady I’ve not really had any ups and downs. My sugars are more or less the same, stable. But it’s still been useful I’ve learnt quite a bit you know‐ they have talked to me about trying different things different foods etc. I’ve picked things up along the way. I am healthy but it’s reassuring to be able to ask and for them to help you stay that way. It’s like an extra eye that’s there looking after you along the way – I enjoy the chats…It has met his expectations: they have developed me with my diabetes so that I can manage.

The process

Yes, it’s… you are kind of being checked quite frequently you know. So yes, I think it’s very good. My things been my weight they have helped me to loose a bit of weight‐ more from giving me options eating more fruit tweaking with what I have got really rather than anything dramatic. But it’s a boost for me knowing I’m okay and I can pass on things to my children and grandchildren because they maybe at risk….

Changes

Well, you see, I’ve always done alright as it was….well when you’ve been like this for such a long time you know what not to have, how much to have and how much not to have and… And it’s not made any difference with the family because well we all have the same and they can have a bit more if they want it. So you know it’s… not made a big difference but I have changed things and it’s made me more aware of the future and to keep looking after myself.

Sustainability

I had an idea what my diabetes was but I didn’t know that much about my blood sugars. Now it just comes automatically and I know what to do.

The relationship

Yes it is somebody, you kind of look forward to it, here is somebody coming to check on me and she’ll find there is nothing wrong. Well it’s there in the background isn’t it for you. You know it’s there behind you so all you’ve got to do is ring.