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What care you should expect from your diabetes care team
To achieve the best possible diabetes care, you need to work together with healthcare professionals as equal members of your diabetes care team. It is essential that you understand your diabetes as well as possible so that you are an effective member of this team. You need to discuss with your consultant or GP the roles and responsibilities of those providing your diabetes care and to identify the key members of your own diabetes care team. Members in your diabetes care team
You may see some members of your diabetes care team more often than others.
When you have just been diagnosed, your diabetes care team should:
Once your diabetes is reasonably controlled, you should:
On a regular basis, your diabetes care team should:
PlusIf you are treated by insulin injections you should:
If you are treated by tablets you should:
If you are treated by diet alone you should:
* Your hospital team will only give you your first prescription. Further prescriptions for medication, test strips, etc will be provided through your GP. People with Type 1 diabetes and tablet controlled Type 2 diabetes are entitled to free prescriptions for medication. Equipment such as blood glucose meters and finger pricking devices normally have to be purchased, but test strips, lancets, most insulin pens and pen needles are available on prescription. Discuss this with your GP. A prescription exemption certificate is necessary to obtain free prescriptions. Talk to your GP or diabetes specialist nurse about how to apply for one.
Your responsibilitiesEffective diabetes care is normally achieved by team work, between you and your diabetes care team. Looking after your diabetes and changing your lifestyle to fit in with the demands of diabetes is hard work, but you’re worth it. You will not always get your care right, none of us does, but your diabetes care team is there to support you. Ask questions and request more information especially if you are uncertain or worried about your diabetes and/or treatment. Remember the most important person in the team is you. The following list of responsibilities is given to help you play your part in your own diabetes care. It is your responsibility:
Annual review check listIt is important to remember that your annual review is to enable you to lead a normal and healthy life. It must be about what you want and need as well as what healthcare professionals recommend. The following should be checked at least once a year:Laboratory tests and investigations ü Blood glucose control: an HbA1c blood test will measure your long-term blood glucose control. The range to aim for should be seven per cent or below. ü Kidney function: urine and blood tests to check for protein will show that your kidneys are working correctly. There should not be any protein in your urine. ü Blood fats (lipids, cholesterol and triglyceride levels): a blood test that measures your blood fat levels. A total cholesterol of 5.Ommol/l or less and a fasting triglyceride of 2.Ommol/l are accepted as national target ranges.* *Please note all normal and good ranges will vary from person to person — it is meant to be a guide so you know what to aim towards. If you have any questions, ask your diabetes care team. Physical examinations ü Weight is often calculated as a Body Mass Index (BMI) which expresses adult weight in relation to height. From this you will be advised if you need to lose weight to better control your diabetes. Your GP will record your BMI in your notes. ü Legs and feet should be examined to check your skin, circulation and nerve supply. If necessary, you should be referred to a state registered chiropodist/podiatrist. ü Blood pressure should be taken. You should aim for your blood pressure to be at or less than 140/80. If it is at higher levels discuss this with your doctor to discuss why your blood pressure may be high. Keeping your blood pressure down has been proven to be beneficial for people with diabetes (UKPDS research trails). ü Eyes should be examined regularly through a ‘fundoscopy’ review where your pupils are dilated to enable your optometrist/ophthalmologist to detect any early changes at the back of the eye (retinopathy). Photographs may be taken to record the appearance at the back of your eyes. ü If you’re on insulin, your injection sites should be examined. Lifestyle issues The review should also provide enough time to discuss: ü Your general wellbeing; how you are coping with your diabetes at home, work, school or college. ü Your current treatment. ü Your diabetes control, including your home monitoring results and hypos. ü Any problems you may be having. It should include discussion about smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, sexual problems, physical activity and healthy eating issues. You should feel free to raise any or all of these issues with your diabetes care team.
Diabetes UK |
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