Why is it important to attend a diabetes review?
It is important to attend a diabetes review so that the healthcare provider can regularly assess and review individual treatment plans. Providing support with diet and wellbeing.
Early detection and intervention can prevent many diabetes-related complications like renal disease, retinopathy, raised BP and cholesterol, which can lead to strokes and heart disease.
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What to expect from a diabetes review?
The patient will be invited for a diabetes review every 6 & 12 Months.
Advise patient to bring a urine sample with them – this will be sent off to the lab.
Take blood as per diabetes protocol as well as B12 & folate is to be checked periodically if the patient is taking a high dose of metformin/ or taking a long-term or if symptomatic, suggestive of B12 deficiency.
Take pulse first, then BP manually.
Check height, waist circumference, weight
Foot check and pulses, advise re footcare.
Discuss any issues with diabetes/ general health.
Discuss mood, memory, breathlessness, chest pain any symptoms of erectile dysfunction if male.
Any concerns about taking medication and adherence.
If prescribed insulin- check injection technique, sites are not bruised/ lipodystrophy, advise to rotate injection sites, discuss storage and check has sharps bin and single uses sharps.
Is the glucose monitor in working order?
Discuss hypos and how to treat them, and give advice regarding driving – DVLA and sick day rules.
Book a follow-up telephone call with the patient with the lead diabetes nurse to discuss the results and review medication.
