Meet-Ups
The group has meet-up sessions, currently on the second Thursday of each month around 6pm.
Some meet-ups have a chosen topic for discussion or an expert guest speaker. Others are more informal drop in sessions for general chat and others are social gatherings over a drink, meal or walk. We organise different locations/platforms to suit everyone's needs.
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The next meet-up session will take place:
Outside... Our first picnic social gathering (with nearby pub if raining!)
The next meet-up session is:
Thursday 8th May (from 6pm).
The chosen topic for discussion is:
An informal gathering over a picnic (with an optional stroll)
Future Meet-Ups
The future meet-up session dates are:  (6-7pm)
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12th June (6pm) - WhatsApp general chat call (just answer when your phone rings!)
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3rd July (6pm) - online meet-up/Q&A with Dexcom representatives
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14th August (tbc?)
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11th September (6pm)
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9th October (6pm) online meet-up/Q&A with Abbott representatives
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Past Meet-Ups
Below are key highlights from each of the previous meet-up sessions.
Meet-Up #24
13th February 2025
Hot topic:
Social Meet-Up
The monthly meet-up in February was a pleasant social occasion at a local restaurant.
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It was also an opportunity to celebrate as Podding Peer Support became 2 years old!​
Meet-Up #23
9th January 2025
Hot topic:
Pod Quiz and general chat
This monthly meet-up was held online. We held a Pod quiz and had a nice general discussion.
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The meet-up was very well led by co-leads Helen and Zoe.
Meet-Up #20
12th September 2024
Hot topic:
Illness Management
Meet-Up #21
10th October 2024
Hot topic:
Social Meet-Up
Meet-Up #22
21st November 2024
Hot topic:
Diaversary
This monthly meet-up was held online. We had the pleasure of speaking to Pete Davies who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 68 years. Pete spoke about his journey with type 1 diabetes and all that he has achieved.
Meet-Up #19
8th August 2024
Hot topic:
Physical Activity
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We had Paul Coker attend as a guest speaker who answered a lot of questions
Meet-Up #18
11th July 2024
Hot topic:
Social Meet-Up
This month's meet-up was held at a local pub. It was very nice for all who attended to catch-up.
We had new members attend, as well as some Podders who had not been to a meet-up for a while.
It demonstrates the importance of this group and how it serves our community when people need support and connection.
Meet-Up #17
14th June 2024
Hot topic:
Diabetes Stigma
June's meet-up was at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. The hot topic was 'Diabetes stigma'.
The event had very engaging, insightful and informative discussion about people's experiences of Diabetes stigma.
We also took the Pledge to #EndDiabetesStigma
Meet-Up #16
9th May 2024
Online Meet-Up
Hot topic:
Carbohydrate Counting & Nutrition
This was an online meet-up via Microsoft Teams. The hot topic was about nutritional considerations and carbohydrate counting. The group had Senior Diabetes Specialist Dietitian Mike Skarlatos attend as a guest speaker. He answered many questions and provided the group with great tips.
Meet-Up #15
4th April 2024
Social Meet-Up
This months meet-up was held at a local Indian restaurant. It was very nice for all who attended to catch-up, endure the carbohydrate counting challenge and share experiences together.
Meet-Up #14
14th March 2024
Hot topic:
Your Diabetes Journey
This months hybrid meet-up (online and in person) was an opportunity for the local Podders to share their Diabetes journey's.
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It was a wonderful, welcoming and insightful meet-up that welcomed three new Podders, two of which started Omnipod 5 just one week previous.
Meet-Up #13
8th February 2024
Hot topic:
One Year Celebration
This was a special meet-up (both in person and online) as we celebrated 1 year of doing Podding Peer Support.
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The group spoke about the importance of peer support and the positive impact that this group has had on their lives.
Meet-Up #22
21st November 2024
Hot topic:
Diaversary
This monthly meet-up was held online. We had the pleasure of speaking to Pete Davies who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 68 years. Pete spoke about his journey with type 1 diabetes and all that he has achieved.
Meet-Up #12
11th January 2024
Hot topic:
Time in Range
For this meet up we talked all about the positives and negatives of time in range. It was a very open, supportive and non-judgemental discussion.
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We discussed about the clinical guidance for time in range which came from the following article: [CLICK HERE]
We also highlighted how the standards stated in the guidance are hard to achieve and that Professor Partha Kar's tweet can be encouraging for those who are not yet meeting the recommended standards: [CLICK HERE]
Meet-Up #11
14th December 2023
Hot topic:
Celebrating Christmas
This months meet-up was unfortunately cancelled. The group was still able to connect by doing a virtual Christmas quiz via the WhatsApp group.
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It was a fun filled quiz which was won by Anthony. We hope to do one for next Christmas.
Meet-Up #10
9th November 2023
Hot topic: Managing diabetes at work
This meet-up we welcomed three new members to the group where we talked all about managing diabetes at work.
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We hosted the meet-up both in person and online which worked really well.
During the session we did the #BlueBalloonChallenge.
Meet-Up #9
12th October 2023
Hot topic: Closed Looping
This meet-up we welcomed two new members to the group. The session focussed around closed looping. Our local Insulet territory managers discussed about hybrid closed looping through Omnipod 5.
Then Sion presented on his experience of Do It Yourself (DIY) Closed Looping through Omnipod Dash. A copy of his presentation is viewable by clicking here.
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Meet-Up #8
14th September 2023
Hot topic: Basal Rate Adjustments
This session focussed on adjusting basal rates to help manage glucose levels. Some of the Podders mentioned that they at times appropriately adjust their basal programme(s), especially during different times of the year. The most common theme was around the use of the temporary basal function for things such as physical activity.
Meet-Up #7
10th August 2023
Hot topic: Holidays and travel
This session focussed on holidays and travel. It was the first held online via Microsoft Teams, due to the facilitator being on annual leave.
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Many of the Podders mentioned that they pack more than double their amount of diabetes supplies whilst away, just in case.
Meet-Up #6
13th July 2023
Hot topic: Carb Counting
The session focussed on carbohydrate counting. It was held at a local pub to celebrate 6 months since the group started.
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Many of the Podders ordered an Indian curry which tasted delicious but was a carb counting challenge.
Meet-Up #5
8th June 2023
Hot topic: Mental Health
The session focussed on mental health and the impact that diabetes can have on psychological well being. We were joined by a member of staff who works for Vita Minds, a talking therapy service which is locally available to anyone that is struggling with their mental health.
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For further information about Vita Minds please visit: NHS Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Talking Therapies (vitahealthgroup.co.uk) or call 0330 094 5595.
Meet-Up #4
11th May 2023
Hot topic: Physical Activity
The session focussed on physical activity and many of the Podders highlighted the challenge of avoiding high and low glucose levels.
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During the meet-up the group watched the following short video about managing glucose levels with physical activity using an insulin pump: DTN-UK Education: Pumps (CSII) | ABCD (Diabetes Care) Ltd
Meet-Up #3
13th April 2023
Hot topic: Hypos
The session focussed around hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).
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During the session a useful hypo treatment infographic from Eden was handed out. Please click on the image to access the infographic.
Meet-Up #2
9th March 2023
Hot topic: Pod Sites
The session focussed around Omnipod site management.
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One of the podders gave a great tip of applying a slight bit of pressure on the pod when the soft cannula is automatically inserting.
Meet-Up #1
9th February 2023
The Start
This was the very first meet-up session.
It was great to have a few local podders join.
The group identified some discussion topics for future meet-up sessions.
