Management of type 2 diabetes

Step 1 Diagnosis

This is made by 2 simple fasting blood tests in most cases. If the blood glucose is 7mmols or higher or if you are having symptoms of diabetes and one fasting blood glucose reading 7mmols or higher then a diagnosis of diabetes can be made.

Step 2 Education

An appointment is offered with our diabetes specialist nurses who explain to you what diabetes is and what lifestyle changes could improve your management of diabetes

Step 3 Self-Management

Our diabetic specialist nurses will teach you how to manage your own diabetes and will liaise with the doctor and initiate or change treatment as required.

Step 4 Monitoring

Our diabetic specialist nurse will monitor your diabetic control with the aid of blood tests on a 6 monthly basis if your diabetes is well controlled but more often if need be. This blood test is called HbA1c and tells us if your diabetes is well controlled, ideally this reading needs to be 5 to 7mmols.

Step 5 Prevention of Complications

Every year you will have a test on an early morning sample of your urine to check diabetes is not affecting your kidneys. You will also have a series of blood tests to check your cholesterol, Liver and Kidney function and HbA1c (blood glucose control) and you will be given an appointment with the nurse and doctor (Annual review appointment). Where you will have a full medical examination.

Step 6 Eye Check

As diabetes can affect your eyesight you will be offered an appointment to have the back of your eyes photographed to enable the doctor to monitor any changes and instigate any treatment needed.

Management of diabetes is a team effort and read more