Our diabetes clinic helps sufferers to find out things they don’t understand about the disease. We will look at their diabetes control and help with any problems. Importantly, we work with patients to try and prevent any problems arising.

Patients on our diabetes register will benefit from a call and recall system for monitoring their diabetes. In addition to oversight by the doctor and our trained nurses, patients will benefit from access when required to chiropody so that any problems with feet can be managed.

Potential problems with eyesight can also be managed by our retinal screening programme.

People with Type 1 diabetes attend a clinic at the hospital whilst people with type 2 diabetes may attend either the practice clinic, the hospital clinic – or both. Both hospital and practice clinics provide all reviews and routine care.

Diabetes clinics conduct physical examinations including height and weight. We can then calculate your body mass index (BMI). This should be between 20 and 25). We also check blood pressure. Whilst a normal BP would be considered 120/80 mmHg, patients are advised of a target for their situation

A foot examination is conducted to check skin and sensation. Eyes are checked by digital retinal photography. A special unit visits the practice so you can be seen at your own surgery if you are being monitored at the practice. Patients should be prepared to look at a reading chart and it will be necessary to insert eye drops to make pupils larger. This lasts for up to 2 hours – so it will be unsafe to drive until the effect of the drops has worn-off. If a patient is on insulin, we will check your injection site.

Laboratory tests are taken periodically – including haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). This allows us to check to see if your diabetes is well-contolled. Creatinine and eGFR are also checked to see how well your kidneys are performing. A lipid profile is also obtained. We will also monitor liver function to monitor fat deposition and to ensure that medication is not upsetting your liver.

Urine samples allow us to test for microalbumin which should not be present. This can be removed with medication and will help avoid some of the complications associated with diabetes.

We try to organise tests before your clinic appointment so that the results are available at the review. We will also wish to discuss with patients their general well-being, current treatment, diabetes control and any problems that they have been experiencing.

In addition to the GP and practice nurse, you may need to be referred to podiatrist or dietician.

Please ask at reception for details of our diabetes clinics.

For more information please visit the websites below:

External Websites

NHS Choices – Diabetes

Diabetes UK