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How often should I see my Diabetes team?

S

Sheppie84

Well-Known Member
Messages
80
I have LADA and my sugars are pretty predictable and I have no complications but my diabetes team at the hospital keep putting back my appointments. I last saw them in October and now don't have another appointment til July. Is this ok or should I expect more regular contact?
Thanks x


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Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Once a year is fairly normal for adults, especially if you are managing ok. But if you want to see them more often then demand it.
The thing to ask yourself is WHY you want to go. If you have specific questions you want to discuss with specialists then definitely say you won't be put off and get an appo sooner. If you want blood test results etc you may be able to get that done at your GP more regularly, without having to go through the entire hospital thing. Things like blood pressure you can also get at your GP of course.
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

It's more just for reassurance than anything. I'm fairly new to diabetes and would like to feel that someone's keeping an eye on me if that makes sense?


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Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Sheppie84 said:
It's more just for reassurance than anything. I'm fairly new to diabetes and would like to feel that someone's keeping an eye on me if that makes sense?


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totally makes sense. Then definitely ask if you can see someone sooner. It's their job to support and help you so if you need them, you should get that support and help.
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

I think that newly diagnosed diabetics seen at specialist diabetic units tend to be seen every 4 months as an average but I would guess they would tend to offer most help to those who are struggling.

That said I was put on insulin at diagnosis and promptly forgotten about as the hospital unit I was under at the time was being moved from the hospital trusts care to that of the local health care trust at the time I was diagnosed and somehow in the move my details where lost and I had to phone them and ask when my appointment was meant to be!!!

So it is always best to ask them and jog their memories just in case you've slipped through the net as I did :thumbup:
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

I see mine every 6 months, but that's just to get blood tests done
I have to make my own appointments
Hana
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Sheppie84 said:
It's more just for reassurance than anything. I'm fairly new to diabetes and would like to feel that someone's keeping an eye on me if that makes sense?
Click to expand...


I'm surprised your not seen more regular being newly diagnosed, I would ring the diabetes clinic up and ask to speak with one of the DSN's, they will often see you between appointments if you have any concerns about your diabetes control.
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

I see by hospital team every 6months and I also see by GP practice every six months Imfind thisn very helpful
as my blood sugars are not always under control and these visist put me back on tract I am T2 on insulan and
metaformin
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

I have 6 monthly check ups at the diabetes centre with my consultant and 6 monthly practice nurse check ups at my surgery. I stagger these so I have one every 3 months, 4 per year, plus an annual diabetic retinal scan, usually every April, so a grand total of 5 visits per year.

I have weekly INR tests on wed mornings for my anti-coagulation treatment (warfarin) and an annual check up from my surgeon as I had a blod clot a year ago that cut off the supply to my pancreas and I had 2 metres of bowel removed that had 'died'.

I also broke my arm and shoulder last april and have 6 monthly reviews on that.

Luckily my boss and work are great anf very understanding, lol.

If I was a dog, I'd be called "Lucky".

Mart
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

It seems 6 months is the standard then. Are there any guidelines on what to expect from your diabetes teams? I've had eye screening, nothing about feet mentioned yet.
X


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Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Every three months if you're not hitting your targets, otherwise every 6. That's what its been in my experience.
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

I'm 2 1/2 years in and my hospital appointments are stil 6 monthly. I've been told they will move to annually when things are settled. However that is the appointment with the consultant, I can ring/email the DSN and dietitican at any time and often see them a couple of times between the consultant appointments if we've been making changes.

I also have an anual checkup with the GP, which I usually combine with blood tests for a hospital appoiment. Otherwise they are not that helpful.

Oh and finally and anual eye screening, we have a mobile unit that comes to the GP. Hopwever on one occasion the photo had problems so I had to go to another one at the hospital. Somehow I then got on their list too and ended up with 3 eye screeinings in as many months. I did cancel the fourth once I caought on what was happening :crazy:
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Sheppie, if you need your feet examining I find a phone call ahead of my bi-annual diabetes team check up does the trick and the podiatist can usally fit you in around other tests. It usually takes no more than 10 minutes and will save you an added trip to the hospital.

Next week I have my retinal scan at the same time as my 6 month cobsultant review because I called in advance. I have wesnesday mornings off work already and am keen to keep other appointments to a minimum.

Hope this is helpful.

Mart.
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Sheppie84 said:
Thanks everyone. I'll chase up my appt and ask about foot tests too to prompt then.


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What's wrong with you're feet?:smile:
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

diagnosed mid February 2013 type 2 as a result of a blood test a week after had a phone call to tell me and told diabetic nurse would call me and Iwas already refered to a local hospital clinic, would get a letter waited till 4th april and rang surgery but the nurse had gone sick I would be hearing from them, said heard nothing from clinic A few days latter had letter to make an appointment at clinic on phoning I got told I had been refered on 4th April I had slipped through the net the earliest clinic date end July and given amobile number to talk to the hospital diabetic nurse that lady said she needed to look after grandchildren who were screeming in the background. and was working from home that day!!!!!!!!!!! It's all of a mistery to me D2 I mean Is this time scale normal or am I unlucky and the NHS is falling apart here on the jurrasic coast
In limbo
Granny Jan
 
Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Nothing wrong as such just get numb toes pretty regularly - could be nothing but better safe that sorry!

Granny Jan - I would have thought that as newly diagnosed you should be getting an appt very soon. Even if it's just to explain what diabetes us and how you can make positive changes etc. Keep calling your nurse - explain your situation and ask for something sooner. If that fails - contact your GP, they can give you basic information.
I hope you get this sorted.


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Re: How often should I see my Diabetes team?

Ebay acupressure massage mat. Great for the feet
 
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