Diabetes is a condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- type 1 diabetes – a lifelong condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
- type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin properly
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, over 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.
When someone with diabetes goes to the hospital, a team of specialised doctors, nurses, and consultants work together with the ward staff to provide the best possible care to the patients. This is called inpatient care.
Educational programs are also available, including JIGSAW for those with type 1 diabetes and a program for those converting to a basal/bolus insulin regimen. There are also a range of virtual/online educational opportunities available, please contact us for more details.
Guidance and education on the management of diabetes for patients in hospital. At any one time, approximately 18% of patients in hospital have diabetes. Acute illness, surgery, rehabilitation, and being away from usual routines can affect glucose routines, requiring changes to treatment. Additionally, glucose levels which are different to usual can cause recovery to slow.
What does it cover?
- One to one clinic support for those not achieving their diabetes management goals and wishing to work intensively to try and achieve these.
- Education program (JIGSAW)
- Support in the use of technologies such as glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps in accordance with NICE guidelines.
What doesn't it cover?
- Routine complication screening which is usually undertaken by practice nurse teams.
What does it cover?
- Supporting the transition of patients from the paediatric team to adult services.
- Advice and support with the management of diabetes for those aged 16 to 25.
- Insulin pump and technology support for those aged 16 to 25.
What doesn't it cover?
- Routine complication screening is usually undertaken by practice nurses, but please get in touch to let us know if any of these are overdue.
What does it cover?
Those over the age of 25 with Type 1 diabetes.
- Guidance for patients on the management of their Type 1 diabetes.
- Education programs, particularly for those newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
What doesn't it cover?
- Routine complication screening which is usually undertaken by practice nurse teams.
What does it cover?
- Pre-pregnancy counselling for all women with diabetes considering pregnancy
- Care and guidance for all pregnant women with pre-existing or gestational diabetes
Clinics are held weekly on a Wednesday in the Maternity Department at QA Hospital. Please contact us for bookings at 023 9228 6000, ext. 4553.
What doesn't it cover?
-
Post-pregnancy care, which is provided by the usual teams.
What does it cover?
- Guidance on the management of diabetes for adults with Type 1 diabetes and stage 3b, 4 or 5 CKD.
- Guidance on the management of diabetes alongside haemodialys or peritoneal dialysis.
- Guidance on the management of diabetes for renal transplant patients and those with New Onset Diabetes After Transplant (NODAT).
What doesn't it cover?
-
Routine screening for complications and specialist renal care.
What does it cover?
Guidance on the management of an ‘at risk foot’ in adults with diabetes.
- Foot condition or wound with a medical disorder complicating management
- Possible underlying bony infection
- Active Charcot foot disease
- Persistent foot ulceration with chronic foot deformity
- Foot ulceration with abnormal foot x-rays
- Foot condition requiring additional imaging beyond x-rays
- Foot condition complicated by atypical skin or joint disease
- Foot condition requiring MDT input (podiatry, medical)
What doesn't it cover?
- Routine screening for complications
- Advice on ankle or leg wounds