Friends of Know Diabetes

25/09/2025

In 2010, Denis from the FKD team was diagnosed with both type 2 diabetes and heart failure after months of feeling unwell. At just 45, the news was life-changing.

With the right support, medication, and lifestyle changes, he turned his health around.

Dropping weight, taking up cycling, and later discovering Nordic walking. Now 60, Denis helps others in this community and others to get active to manage their own health.

Denis Collen, 60, from Stanmore, Middlesex, shares how a diagnosis of diabetes and heart failure spurred him to make healthy lifestyle changes.

23/09/2025

In October 2010, Imogen’s mum tragically died from an aortic dissection at just 58. 💔

An aortic dissection happens when a tear develops in the wall of the aorta - the main artery carrying blood from the heart. It’s often sudden and fatal, but with more awareness and research, lives can be saved.

As World Heart Day approaches, we’re sharing stories like Imogen’s to shine a light on hidden risks and the importance of heart checks.

Imogen is a devoted supporter, sharing her mother’s story to raise awareness of aortic dissection.

22/09/2025

Still smiling after last week’s Harrow Heroes Awards! 🥂✨

It was a joy to be part of Harrow Council's event that shines a light on the people and groups making a real difference in our community.

We’re proud to have been finalists in the Health & Wellbeing category, and huge congratulations to Harrow Trampoline Club once again for taking home the award.

Here’s to more moments that celebrate our community, our health, and the people who make a difference every day. 🩵

22/09/2025

At just 29, Dr. Sanjana Kochhar’s heart function dropped to 12%. ⬇️

She was critically ill and placed on the urgent transplant list. On 31 October 2022, she received the gift of a new heart.

Now 31 and working as a GP in Liverpool, Sanjana says her own journey with heart failure and transplant helps her understand her patients on a deeper level. 🙌

📖 Read more from the BHF: 🔗 bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/my-story/heart-transplant-sanjanas-story

A heart transplant in her twenties saved Sanjana Kochhar’s life. Now a busy GP in her thirties, she shares how it has helped her as a doctor.

19/09/2025

Olympic champion Duncan Armstrong OAM stunned the world in 1988 with his gold medal swim. 🏊‍♂️

But at 52, he faced an even greater challenge.

A major heart attack that led to emergency triple bypass surgery. With no obvious warning signs, Duncan’s story shows how heart disease can strike anyone, even elite athletes.

Now an Ambassador for the Heart Research Institute, Duncan is urging everyone to take heart health seriously: exercise, eat well, manage stress, sleep properly and get your heart checked.

Duncan Armstrong made history when he won a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics. Four years ago, the legendary swimmer survived a serious heart attack. This is his story.

18/09/2025

Friends, a FREE Type 1 Carb Counting online course with a live Q&A featuring doctors and specialists on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

Don't miss it.

https://understandingtype1.mydiabetes.com

Carb counting that makes sense at dinner time. 🍛

Join a free online course that helps people with Type 1 turn real plates into real numbers. Learn how to count carbs, use insulin to carb ratios, eat out with confidence, and plan for everyday life.

What you get:

✨ Live Q&A with diabetes experts
✨ A certificate when you finish
✨ It’s free to join

Starts Wednesday 1 October, with a live Q&A is 6-7 pm (BST). So tag someone who’d find this helpful and save the date.

https://understandingtype1.mydiabetes.com/

18/09/2025

Last night at the Harrow Heroes Awards was one to remember! 🌟

A huge thank you to Harrow Council for organising such a memorable night and well done to all the finalists and winners.

Special shoutout to Harrow Trampoline Club for winning the Health & Wellbeing category, such an amazing achievement! 🤸‍♂️✨

We’re proud to have reached the finals, and it’s only fuelled us to make Friends of Know Diabetes even bigger and better.

That starts this week with our Don’t Miss a Beat Home Show. 🩵

This Friday, Meeta and her son Josh will be with us to talk about life with a heart condition - the challenges, the support, and what it means to keep moving forward together.

1️⃣ Join our supportive group: 🔗 Friends of Know Diabetes North West London: Empower, Prevent, Manage Health

2️⃣ RSVP to our next Home Show: 🔗 fb.me/e/4Wgy9EIhT

17/09/2025

Tonight’s the night! ✨

We’re heading to the Harrow’s Heroes Awards at the Great Barn in Headstone Manor, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate community, connection, and wellbeing across Harrow.

Wish us luck as finalists in the Health & Wellbeing Award with Harrow Council, and here’s to every hero being recognised this evening. 💙

16/09/2025

One of the best things about Harrow’s Heroes is the chance to connect with other organisations and individuals who share a passion for community. 💬✨

We’re looking forward to celebrating alongside groups like Healthy Harrow and individuals like Barry Kendler from Citizens Advice in Harrow.

People who, like us, believe in the power of working together to make a difference.

Awards aside, this is what makes Harrow special. Neighbours, volunteers, and local champions coming together for a healthier, kinder community. 🙌

https://harrowonline.org/2025/08/27/harrows-heroes-awards-finalists-announced-for-2025/

15/09/2025

Have you heard of MyHealth London? It’s a free NHS platform created for people in North West London living with diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

You can:

👉 Take the blood pressure quiz
👉 See your test results and risk factors online
👉 Access free resources, courses and support

If you live in North West London, you can register today and start using the platform for free:
https://www.myhealthlondon.nhs.uk/

12/09/2025

Health is at the heart of community. 😊

We're so excited to be named as a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing Award at Harrow’s Heroes 2025!

It means a lot to see the work we do with people living with diabetes recognised alongside other amazing local groups.

Every finalist in this category shows that wellbeing can take many forms from bouncing on trampolines to building safe spaces for conversation to supporting people day to day. 💙

We’re proud to stand in such good company with Harrow Trampoline Club, Mind in Harrow Men’s Group, and Abdi Ali.

https://www.harrow.gov.uk/council/harrows-heroes

Because when it comes to wellbeing, everyone wins. 🏆

04/09/2025

If you’d like to learn more or attend a meeting, you can contact the group secretary directly. 👇

Carole shared with us the best way to reach her for details about the Hammersmith & Fulham Diabetes Support Group or to attend a meeting coming up.

Still to come this year:

🗓️ 8 September: Vascular issues & diabetes
🗓️ 13 October: Diabetes & food with a specialist nurse
🗓️ 10 November: Colette Marshall, CEO of Diabetes UK

It’s simple to get in touch with Carole, the group secretary:

📞 Call: 07733362387
📧 Email: hfdiabetesgroup@outlook.com