If you have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and are not being seen by a hospital consultant regarding your diabetes management, we need to see you at least annually at the surgery for a diabetes clinic. Please make an appointment with our nursing team for this. It will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. During this clinic, lifestyle issues such as diet, weight, exercise, smoking and alcohol intake will be discussed and advice given if necessary. We will weigh you, check your blood pressure, and take blood to see how well your diabetes is being controlled. We also send blood to measure your kidney function, cholesterol levels and check on your thyroid function. We also need to send a fresh specimen of urine, so please bring this with you to the clinic if you can. We will check to ensure that you are having your annual retinopathy checks (checks to the vessels in the back of your eyes). We will also check your feet to ensure that the sensation is intact and you have a good blood supply to them. We can refer you on to a foot specialist (podiatrist) if any issues are uncovered.
When the results of your tests are back, your GP will decide if we need to do more to help you manage your condition. You may be asked to make an appointment to see the practice nurse who will explain the results of the tests and discuss what may be done to improve your diabetes control and reduce the risk of developing future diabetic complications.
Further information about diabetes can be found at http://www.diabetes.co.uk/.