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The Diabetes Clinic

• What is the benefit of attending a Diabetes Clinic?
• What happens at the clinic?
• Who do I see?
• How long will I have to wait?
• How do I set about arranging an appointment?
• Non-attendance

What is the benefit of attending a diabetes clinic?

The diabetes clinic is conducted by a diabetes team which comprises doctors, diabetes specialist nurses, dieticians and podiatrists. Ideally you should be able to access all members of the team through this clinic.

At the clinic you will have regular reviews where you are monitored for good control of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. You will also be screened for the complications of diabetes. You will have access to education and written information if necessary. This is the opportunity to voice your queries with regard to various aspects of your diabetes care.

What happens at the clinic?

Many of the following will happen during your visit  to the West Suffolk Hospital diabetes clinic. The use of a computerised database and structured patient records allows us to track the progress of your diabetes and  for timely intervention in the event of developing complications.

• Measurement of weight
• measurement of blood pressure
• Fingerprick blood sample for HbA1c
• Urine sample for Microalbuminuria
• Venous blood sample (from your arm) for serum creatinine (Kidney function), cholesterol
• examination of your eyes and feet
• a discussion with the doctor and/or diabetes nurse
• a review of your medications and insulin dose
• A report will be sent out to your family doctor summarising all of the findings and any recommendations.

Who do I see?

You will initially see a nurse or phlebotomist who will obtain a fingerprick blood sample. You will see a doctor thereafter. If necessary you will be asked to see other members of the diabetes team such as the diabetes nurse, dietician or podiatrist.

How long will I have to wait?

Every effort is made at our clinics to see patients on time. Unfortunately it is not always possible to predict the required length of time as some people's consultations take longer than expected.

How do I set about arranging an appointment?

If your doctor considers you should attend the diabetes clinic he or she will make a referral on your behalf. Please refer to the NEWS pages for an estimate of waiting times for the various clinics. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information (see below).

General advice on attending the clinic

• Please bring a sample of early morning urine
• We will need to examine your feet.

Non-attendance

Non-attendance at clinics is a major problem and drain on resources as the time allocated could have been utilised by another patient.

Please make every effort to inform us if you are not able to attend as this helps us manage our clinics and waiting times.

How to contact us

Diabetes Nurse Specialists: 01284 713311

Secretaries: 01284 712639

 

Dr Nishan Wijenaike, Consultant Physician
West Suffolk Hospitals Diabetes Service
October 2002