Diabetic Clinic

Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high, more information can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/

Diabetes Management

You will be invited for a diabetes review appointment with the diabetic nurse. The aim is to check how well your diabetes is being managed and to identify any issues early. The review is usually done annually, though parts of it may be done at different times (for example, blood tests before the main appointment).

Here’s what typically happens:

Before your appointment

You may be asked to:

  • Have blood tests a week or two beforehand. These usually check:
    • HbA1c (your average blood sugar level)
    • Kidney function
    • Cholesterol levels
    • Sometimes thyroid or liver function, depending on your history
  • Provide a urine sample to check for protein (early signs of kidney changes)

At your appointment

Your nurse or healthcare professional will usually:

  1. Review your blood test and urine results
    They’ll explain what the results mean and how they relate to your diabetes control.
  2. Check your blood pressure and weight
    To assess your cardiovascular risk and overall health.
  3. Examine your feet
    They’ll check sensation and circulation to pick up early signs of nerve or circulation problems.
  4. Discuss your blood glucose readings (if you test at home)
    They might look at patterns and help you adjust diet, medication, or insulin if needed.
  5. Review your medications
    Ensuring your current treatment is working well and making any necessary changes.
  6. Talk about your lifestyle
    Including diet, exercise, alcohol, smoking, and mental wellbeing.
  7. Set goals and action plans
    You might agree on small changes or targets before your next review.

Other checks (usually annually or separately)

  • Retinal screening: a special eye photo to check for diabetic eye disease
  • Foot check: may be done by a podiatrist or nurse
  • Flu and pneumonia vaccinations (if due)

Follow-up

If anything needs monitoring or adjusting, you might be invited back sooner for a follow-up appointment or additional support (e.g. dietitian, diabetes specialist nurse).