If you have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is a lot of information to take in. However, there is also plenty of support available (see the bottom of this page for helpful links).
It is important to understand the diagnosis as well as the importance of regular checks, maintaining a healthy diet and taking medication regularly as prescribed. You will also be referred to a structured education programme to support with this, so it is essential that you attend when invited.
If you do not understand any element of your diabetes care, including the medicines that are prescribed, please feel free to book a routine appointment with our in-house clinical pharmacists who can answer your questions. If you want support to change your diet or increase your physical activity, we also have a team of Healthy Lifestyle Advisors that can help.
Annual checks
As part of your diabetes care, you will be invited for regular checks to manage your condition. Most of these will be once per year but you may be invited more frequently. Some of these are at the GP surgery, whilst others may be at another local location. These checks include:
- Blood tests to ensure your blood sugar is well-controlled and your treatment regime is appropriate. These tests also usually check the health of your kidneys as well as the cholesterol in your blood. These tests will be minimum once per year but more frequently if needed.
- Urine test is usually done once per year, this also helps to check the functioning of your kidneys.
- Blood pressure checks are important has high blood sugar over a long period of time can affect your blood vessels. We encourage patients to also check their blood pressure regularly at home.
- Diabetic retinal screening to check the health of your eyes. You should get a letter invite to your home address at least once every two years for this.
- Diabetic foot checks at the GP surgery. High blood sugar can damage the sensation and circulation in your feet so it’s important to have these checked annually. Check your own feet regularly for cuts or changes.
- Influenza vaccinations (flu jabs) are offered to all diabetic patients every year in the autumn. It is important to take up this offer as diabetic patients are at higher risk of health complications if you get the flu virus.
- Pneumococcal vaccination are offered as a one-off vaccination to protect you from the infections that cause pneumonia (a very serious lower lung infection that can lead to hospitalisation and death).
Keeping diabetes under control
If left untreated, complications from diabetes can be severe. It can damage your organs such as your heart and kidneys, lead to blindness due to diabetic eye damage or amputations due to diabetic nerve damage. However, with support from our healthcare team you can minimise these risks. Below are some simple steps you can take to ensure you diabetes is under control.
- Ensure you are compliant with your medication. Take the correct dose and at the correct time. If you do not understand any element of your treatment, please book an appointment with our clinical pharmacists.
- Attend for your checks when invited. These will ensure you are on the correct treatment and also help to detect any issues with your diabetic control early.
- Eat well. Choosing healthier food options can reduce your risk of complications from diabetes. Whilst there is no definitive list of foods to avoid, it helps to eat less food high in sugar, salt or saturated fats. See links below for recipe ideas and meal plans from Diabetes UK.
- Move more. Along with eating well, moving more helps your body use insulin better, improves cholesterol, improves blood sugar (HbA1c) control. There are also other benefits such as having more energy, sleeping better and also having reduced stress levels. Even walking more on a regular is a great way to start.
Helpful resources and links
- Diabetes UK – the leading charity for people living with diabetes in the UK
- Life with diabetes – wide ranging advice on how to live with diabetes.
- Eating with diabetes – helpful advice on eating well when you have diabetes.
- Exercise for diabetes – guidance on physical activity and why it’s important for those with diabetes.
- Emotional wellbeing – A diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming. This webpage has information and guidance that can help.
- Diabetes treatments – There is a wide range of treatments that can be used to keep diabetes under control. This page explains some of the differences in those groups. If you have any questions or concerns about any of your treatments, please speak to one of our health professionals.
- There is also a local Enfield Diabetes Support Group run by volunteers. The group meets monthly either in person or online. Further details are available on their webpage.
- NHS – Diabetes – Reliable and fact-checked information and advice from the NHS.