At our practice, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalised diabetes care for all our patients. We care for people living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering a comprehensive, “one-stop” diabetes service wherever possible.
Our aim is to help you live well with diabetes, reduce your risk of complications, and support you in managing your condition confidently. Most of your diabetes care can be provided here at the practice, meaning that only a small number of patients require referral to hospital specialist services.
We work closely with the Specialist Diabetes Community Team, and our practice-based team led by Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) Judy Winter, can arrange specialist advice or referral whenever it is needed.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term condition where the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood is too high because your body cannot use it properly.
Glucose is an important source of energy for your body’s cells. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
When insulin is absent or does not work effectively, blood glucose levels rise. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels if not well controlled.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
People with Type 1 diabetes:
- Need insulin treatment for life.
- Monitor their blood glucose regularly.
- May use insulin pens, insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices.
- Benefit from education, regular reviews and specialist support.
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle and cannot be prevented.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.
It is more common in adults but is increasingly seen in younger people.
Treatment may include:
- Healthy eating
- Weight management
- Regular physical activity
- Tablets
- Injectable medications such as GLP-1 medicines
- Insulin where required
Many people with Type 2 diabetes can achieve excellent control with the right support and treatment.
Our One-Stop Diabetes Service
We aim to complete all of your routine diabetes care at the practice whenever possible.
Our diabetes team provides:
- Annual diabetes reviews
- Blood pressure checks
- Weight and BMI assessment
- HbA1c monitoring
- Cholesterol monitoring
- Kidney function tests and urine checks
- Foot examinations
- Medication reviews
- Lifestyle advice and education
- Smoking cessation support
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Continuous review of your diabetes treatment
- Access to specialist advice when needed
Our goal is to deliver all Nine Key Care Processes recommended for people with diabetes.
The Nine Diabetes Care Processes
Every person with diabetes should receive these important checks every year:
Completing these checks helps identify problems early and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
What we ask of you
Diabetes is a partnership between you and your healthcare team.
You can help us provide the best care by:
- Attending your annual diabetes review.
- Having your blood tests completed before your appointment where requested.
- Taking your medication as prescribed.
- Monitoring your blood glucose if advised.
- Looking after your feet and reporting any wounds, redness or swelling promptly.
- Attending your annual diabetic eye screening appointment.
- Maintaining a healthy diet and staying physically active.
- Stopping smoking if you smoke.
- Keeping your vaccinations up to date, including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations where recommended.
- Contacting us if you experience frequent hypoglycaemia, persistently high blood sugars or any concerns about your diabetes.
- Preventing Complications
Good Diabetes control can reduce the risk of:
- Heart attack and stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Nerve damage
- Foot ulcers and amputation
Small improvements in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol can make a significant difference to your long-term health.
Working Together
Our team believes that most diabetes care can be safely and effectively managed within general practice. We work closely with specialist diabetes services and seek advice whenever required to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
Together, we aim to help you achieve the best possible control of your diabetes while supporting you to live a healthy, active life.
If you have any questions about your diabetes or would like additional support, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment with our diabetes team.
