WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION

Transcription

1 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION

2 What to expect Once you ve been diagnosed as having diabetes, you should expect to have regular appointments with your diabetes team. You will see them at least once a year for an annual diabetes review. You may see team members more often if you have problems with your blood glucose (sugar) control or have other problems linked to your diabetes. If you need advice or information, contact your diabetes team for an appointment. Your annual diabetes review is an opportunity to thoroughly check up on your overall health and well-being as well as your blood sugar control. You will be checked for signs of any long-term problems and there will be opportunity to talk about your lifestyle and how you re coping with all the changes. Blood and urine samples will be taken. A blood test called HbA1c level is particularly important as it shows how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the previous 2-3 months. There s more information about the annual review in the leaflet called Sharing responsibility. Your diabetes team A diabetes team is a group of healthcare professionals with specialist knowledge and experience in supporting people with diabetes. These teams may include diabetologist / endocrinologists (hospital specialists who deal with hormone disorders such as diabetes), GPs (with a special interest in diabetes), specialist diabetes nurses, specialist dieticians, ophthalmologists (for specialist eye care) and podiatrists (for foot care)s. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, you will be put in contact with appropriate diabetes healthcare professionals. It is usual for you to have more frequent contact with one or two members of the team. You may only see the other team members for specialist check-ups, advice and treatment if needed.

3 Your appointment When you go to your appointments it is helpful to take these things with you: an early morning urine specimen your diabetes equipment e.g. insulin pens, blood glucose meter a list of any tablets or medicines you are currently taking your diabetes or blood glucose diary if you have one What you can expect from your team If you re having difficulty controlling your diabetes, your diabetes team can help by suggesting adjustments to your lifestyle, or changes to your treatment if necessary. They should also be able to help with any problems you re having that may be linked to your diabetes. During your appointment you ll be asked about your day-today activities and your normal lifestyle. Be honest! You re in an equal partnership with your diabetes team and you need to take your share of the responsibility for looking after yourself.

4 Talking to your team The appointments with your team are a good time to ask questions and discuss any issues that are troubling you. Write down questions beforehand and take them to your appointment if it helps. It is useful to check how long you re likely to have with your diabetes team so you can make sure you ask your questions in good time. Your team shouldn t use jargon when they talk to you. If they do they should explain what it means so that you understand. Try to think of yourself as being in charge of the consultation. If you don t understand something that s said, ask the person to repeat it or explain it in a different way. After all, it s your health that will be affected, not theirs. Make good use of your diabetes team. Ask any questions you want - don t feel shy or embarrassed. If your care changes It s possible that your treatment may be adjusted or changed over time. For example, a different type of insulin or insulin delivery device may be suggested, or a different schedule of injections may be recommended. If your treatment is changing or you need to go into hospital, your diabetes team will go through the reasons and benefits with you. You should be involved in any decisions made about your treatment.

5 Information and education Your team will provide you with up-to-date information about diabetes, and give you information to help you understand your condition and any long-term problems. They ll discuss how diabetes can increase your risk of developing these problems, and what can be done to help reduce the risks. Over time you ll learn more about diabetes and how it can affect your health. The more you know about diabetes, the better equipped you ll be to take an active role in looking after yourself. Don t be put off if it feels like a lot to take in at first. Make sure you understand the basics and then build on this knowledge at your own pace.

6 Other information Other leaflets in this series include specific explanations of some of the terms used here. Leaflets on blood testing, hypos, travel, impact on sexual health, driving and employment, illness, and complications may be particularly helpful for you. Ask your diabetes team for the ones you want. Further information is available from Contact numbers and notes Eli Lilly and Company Limited Lilly House Priestley Road Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 9NL Tel: (01256) Provided as a service for patient care UKDBT01192(1) March 2016