The diabetic clinic is usually held on a Thursday morning. The clinic is run by Nurse Walker and Nurse O'Neill in conjunction with Dr Campbell and Dr Simpson. The aim of the clinic is to help improve the control of patients with Diabetes and to look for and minimise the potential complications of the disease. Patients who attend the practice clinic can expect to be called for an Annual review and for a Mid year review.
The clinic can also provide educational material for patients and their carers
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The aim of the annual review is to ensure that optimum control of diabetes is being maintained and to look for and help prevent the possible complications of Diabetes. Normally an appointment will be given for the phlebotomist who will do some initial checks including blood tests. The actual review will normally take place a couple of weeks later when these results are available. Normally patients will see the nurse then one of the GP's and may be offered an appointment with the Dietitian.
Blood Tests |
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Glucose |
Blood Sugar level |
A measure of the glucose(sugar) level in the blood |
HBA1C |
Glycosylated Haemoglobin |
A measure of the average sugar level over 2-3 months |
Creatinine |
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A measure of Kidney function |
Cholesterol |
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A measure of Fats in the blood |
TFT's |
Thyroid Function Tests |
A check on the thyroid gland |
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Other Tests |
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BP |
Blood Pressure |
Important to keep this normal to reduce complications |
Pulses |
Foot Pulses |
A check on the Circulation |
Foot Sensation |
Using A microfilament |
A check on the Nerves |
Urinalysis |
Sample of Urine |
A check for Blood, Sugar or Protein in the urine |
Urinary Microalbumin |
A sample of urine(in white top bottle) |
A test to detect the early onset of damage to the kidneys caused by Diabetes. This test may need to be repeated as it is very sensitive. |
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Other Questions |
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Smoking Status |
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Stopping Smoking is important to help reduce the complications of Diabetes |
Alcohol Consumption |
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Alcohol is converted by the body back into sugar |
Depression Questionnaire |
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We are now asked to screen all diabetics for the presence of depression as it can be common in patients with diabetes |
Diet |
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To help assess your diet in relation to your diabetes |
Home Monitoring Results(where relevant) |
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To help asses how your diabetes is being controlled |
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This is carried out by our Phlebotomist, Dianne Cardno and will include an appointment for blood tests and a review of Diabetes control and self management plan. Once the results are available patients will receive a letter informing them of the results of their blood tests.