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

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Diabetes help you can receive

See also Newly diagnosed checklist