Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.
There are 2 main types of diabetes:
- type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
- type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin
Our Diabetes Service
Your diabetic care will be delivered by your registered GP, alongside our practice nurses:-
· Vicky Thomson
· Sundy Whiting
You can expect a yearly review of your diabetes with our nurse.
They will monitor the 15 health checks as recommended by Diabetic UK . This is to reduce the chance of diabetic complications
Prior to this check you will receive a request to attend for a blood test.
Please attend your annual diabetic review appointment at Bell House even if you have been to other diabetic appointments as the nurse will need to examine you and monitor your blood pressure and check your feet.
The practice nurse will also let you know what your diabetic measurements should be for good control.
You will also get an invite for yearly diabetic eye check which can pick up early treatable diabetic eye disease
If you do not receive an appointment for a yearly check, please contact the diabetic administration team at our surgery.
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You can also expect to have a 6 monthly check on your blood sugar control by means of another blood test. You may be asked to make an appointment with one of the team if we need tighter control of your diabetes
As part of keeping a check on your health in relation to your diabetes, please attend your yearly eye screening when you receive an appointment.
From time to time, you may also be seen by:-
· Our Clinical Pharmacist
· Our Physicians Associate
· The Hospital
to help with your diabetic care.
Here’s the 15 checks :
- Blood glucose test (HbA1c test)
- Blood pressure check
- Cholesterol check (for blood fats)
- Eye screening
- Foot and leg check
- Kidney tests
- Advice on diet
- Emotional and psychological support
- Diabetes education course
- Care from diabetes specialists
- Free flu jab
- Good care if you’re in hospital
- Support with any sexual problems
- Help to stop smoking
- Specialist care if you’re planning to have a baby.
Find out more information here
Pre Diabetes
Health and wellbeing coaches (HWBCs) will use health coaching skills to support you to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become an active participant in your care so that you can reach your own health and wellbeing goals.
Health coaches will support you to self-identify existing issues and encourage proactive prevention of new and existing conditions. This approach is based on supporting personal choice and positive risk taking. We will coach and motivate you through multiple sessions, supporting you to identify your needs, set goals, and help them to implement their personalised health and care plan.
We have joined forces with total Wellbeing to deliver face to face seminars, so you may receive an invitation to attend one in the future. If you would like to self-refer, please contact your practice or Gaby on 07594955372. Additionally, we are now beginning to introduce video group consultations led by Dr Abubacker where you get an opportunity to have a one-on-one session tailored to your needs, as well as advice from a social prescriber and input from a health & wellbeing coach.
What is Non-diabetic Hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes)?
Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It also means that you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Source: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/preventing-type-2-diabetes/prediabetes
How to prevent Type 2 diabetes?
Manage your weight
Be more active
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
You can self-refer to Total Wellbeing to join a Weight Management programme, as well as come to Luton Wardown Park Run on a Saturday morning to increase your exercise levels.
Exercise can also be done at home, so why not try the five-minute kitchen workout? Or some living room exercises? This way you can fit in training around your busy life.
A poor diet is directly linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other long-term conditions. If you are unsure what a well-balanced meal is, Diabetes UK provide a good breakdown on what it should look like. If you’d like to try something new, you may explore some of the recipes that have been approved by specialist team of dieticians, this can also help you to create your own tailored meal plan.
People who are motivated and determined to change can achieve positive results. By taking small steps, you can make a huge difference to the quality of life you live. Here is an example of two individuals who have decided to turn their life around:
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.
We aim to get as many patients involved in physical activity as possible, that is why we have collaborated with Luton Hive, an initiative to get people moving. If you are interested to join a 5k run, jog, or walk and would like a T-shirt, please get in touch. Sizes available: S,M,L,XL,2XL, 3XL.