What is diabetes
Diabetes is when the level of sugar in your blood is too high.
Diabetes can be managed well with the right support and treatment
There are 2 forms of diabetes which patients may have, type 1 and type 2
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body can no longer produce insulin. It can develop at any age, but it often starts in children, teenagers, or young adults. It is less common than type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a common lifelong condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin it does produce doesn’t work properly. It is often linked to factors such as age, family history, being overweight, or being less active.
Some patients can keep their blood sugar at a healthy level without medication. This is called diabetes in remission. However they will still be invited for their annual checks and it important to attend.
Common Symptoms of diabetes
- Feeling very thirsty
- Needing to urinate more often
- Feeling very tired
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections such as thrush
If you have any of these symptoms and are concerned, please book an appointment with a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
What to expect from the Practice
If you have a diagnosis of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes you will be invited for an annual review around your birth month.
- The first appointment will be with a healthcare assistant. They will carry out a blood test, check your blood pressure and weight, perform a foot check, and ask questions about your lifestyle. You will also be asked to bring a urine sample at this appointment.
- You will then need to arrange a second appointment with a practice nurse or GP (depending on your medication). At this appointment, your blood test results, medication, and lifestyle will be reviewed to decide how best to manage your diabetes.
Depending on your results, you may be asked to come in for an interim review before you next birth month to look at certain aspects of your treatment.
Tests carried out
At your annual review, you will have a tests to check:
- HbA1c (this shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months.)
- Liver function test
- Kidney function test
- Cholesterol
- Some patients may need additional test depending on medication
- Urine test for kidney function as well as the blood test
Eye screening
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in your eyes, so it is important to have regular checks. You will be invited for diabetic retinopathy screening every 1–2 years, depending on your level of risk.
For more details click here
Foot care and reviews
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves in your feet and it is therefore important to an annual foot check.
Patients at higher risk may also need to attend the podiatry clinic for a more specialised check.
For more information about how to look after your feet click here.
Diabetes education programme
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you will be offered a referral to the diabetes education programme within the first year.
For more details click here.
Vaccinations
Patients with diabetes are eligible for a free flu vaccination each year and will also be offered a one-off pneumonia vaccine.
Management of diabetes
Diabetes can be managed in a variety of ways. Your clinical team will discuss the best option for you.
Management may included
- Changes to diet and lifestyle
- Medication in the form of tablets
- Injections you give yourself
- Insulin injections (if other treatments do not control your blood sugar)
- All patients with type 1 diabetes will need have insulin injections.
What to do if you are unwell?
Taking certain medicines when you are dehydrated or very unwell can increase the risk of complications.
If you are unwell (for example, with vomiting, diarrhoea, or a fever), you may need to temporarily stop some medications. Your clinical team will discuss this with you.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment, or seek advice from NHS 111 or your local pharmacy.
Once you are better and able to drink normally, you should restart your medication.
If you remain unwell after 48 hours, seek medical advice from your GP, pharmacist, NHS 111, or specialist nurse.
More information
For more information about diabetes please visit the Diabetes UK website or the NHS diabetes website where you can find out more information and access a range of resources and advice about lifestyle.