The Diabetes Team and what to expect.
Please find below some information about how we run our clinics.
Whether you have just been diagnosed or have had diabetes for a while it is very important that you have support in managing your own diabetes. Within Portsdown Group Practice we have a dedicated diabetes clinic which is run by specialist diabetes trained nurses. They are there to offer you help with living with your diabetes.
New diagnosis
You will initially be booked in for a 30 min diabetes review where you will be able to discuss your diagnosis/results with one of our diabetes team. They will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your diagnosis and offer diet and lifestyle advice. There is an opportunity for ongoing health education. You will be offered a full review at least once a year and maybe seen more frequently as needed.
During your appointment you will be involved in making decisions or setting goals personal to you in managing your diabetes. You will be given a diabetes management plan which gives you the opportunity to work in partnership with the diabetes team. The aim of this is that you understand and learn to manage your own diabetes. You will also be referred for annual retinal screening.
Following this you will usually be asked to have a blood test after 12 weeks.
Existing Diabetics
When your review is due you will be sent a letter or text message asking you to book a 20 min diabetes review appointment with a healthcare assistant (HCA). At this appointment the HCA will do your initial diabetes review. They will take your bloods as well as doing the normal checks, blood pressure, foot checks, weight and a review of activity, smoking status and healthy eating. If you are on certain medication or are having any problems with your diabetes the HCA will book you a follow up call with the diabetes nurse. The aim of this being to ensure that your blood pressure, blood sugars and blood fats are checked with the aim of finding any early signs of complications and offering treatment.
The Diabetes team will review your blood results and if needed you will be booked for a follow up telephone call with the diabetes nurse.
The nurses will be able to manage/adjust your medication and offer any advice as required.
You may also be asked to have follow up blood tests during the year. A letter/ text message will be sent to you if needed. These results will be reviewed and if necessary, a follow up appointment may be sent.