Sydenham Group Practice
Elliott Chappell Health Centre
215, Hessle Road
Kingston-upon-Hull
HU3 4BB
DIABETES
Our diabetes clinic helps patients with the disease to control symptoms,. We aim to prevent or minimise any problems, Patients on our diabetes register benefit from a call and recall system with oversight by the doctor and trained nurses. When problems arise we arrange access to chirpody and there is a retinal screening programme in operation.
Patients with type 1 diabetes attend a clinic at the hospital, whilst patients with type 2 diabetes may attend either the practice clinic or the hospital clinic - or both. Regardless, both hospital and practice clinics provide all reviews and routine care.
There are many sources on information online to support and empower patients in managing their diabetes. The video above is provided by Diabetes UK
Video on Type 2 diabetes by Diabetes UK. The practice team supports patients with all types of diabetes with advice, treatment & monitoring in conjunction with other NHS colleagues - including hospitals and as required.
Diabetes clinics conduct physical examinations, including height & weight checks. We can then calculate your body mass index (BMI). This should be between 20 and 25. We also check blood pressure. Whilst a normal BP would be considered 120/80 mmHg, patients are advised of a target for their individual sitiation.
A foot examination is conducted to check skin and sensation. Eyes are checked by digital retinal photography. A special unit visits the practice so patients can be seen at their own surgery where that that is where they are being monitored. Patients are asked to look at a reading chart and drops are inserted into the eye to enlarge pupils. The effect of the drops can last up to two hours so it is unsafe to drive until the effect of the drops has worn off. Where a patient is on insulin, the site of the injections is checked.
Periodically, laboratory tests are undertaken - including haemaglobin HbA1c monitioring. This allows diabetes control to be monitored. Creatinine and eGFR are also cjecked to see hoiw well kidneys are performing. A liquid profile is also obtained. Liver function tests are also undertaken to monitor fat deposition and ensure that edication is not upsetting the liver. Urine samples allow microalbumin to be monitored so that complications of diabetes can be avoided. Where possible, tests are undetaken before appointments so that the results are available at the review where general well-being, current treatment, diabetes control and any problems arising are dicsussed. Referrals to podiatrist or dietitian are aklso considered, where required. Details of diabetes clinics can be obtained from our reception.
There is a great deal of information on diabetes on-line. Support can be obtained through websites, helplines and support groups.
