Diabetes help you can receive

When diagnosed you should have a thorough medical examination, a discussion with a Diabetes Specialist Nurse and a meeting with a state-registered dietician.

You will need to consider the implications your diabetes has on your job, driving and insurance cover. You should have the right to instruction on injection technique and advice on hypoglycaemia and diabetes in general. You should have access to the diabetes team at your clinic for regular check ups and be able to contact a medical professional when you need advice.

This is what should be checked at your annual medical review:

Your weight will be recorded
Your urine will be tested for protein
Your blood will be tested to measure long-term control of your glucose levels
Your eyesight will be checked and the back of your eyes examined
Your legs and feet should be examined
Your injection sites should be checked
You should have the opportunity to discuss how you are coping
You will also be entitled to free prescriptions and a free eye test.

Diabetes UK cover what support you are entitled to, in great detail in their leaflet - What Diabetes Care To Expect - You could phone them for a copy if you do not already have one. They also have a care-line and comprehensive website - visit www.diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes UK
10 Parkway
London
NW1 7AA
0845 123 2399

www.diabetes.org.uk

See also Newly diagnosed checklist