Many of the normal routine reviews have changed as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. This page is to update you on some of the changes as well as help you make the most of your appointments whether face to face or remotely.
Before your appointment it is advisable to :
Diabetes UK has described 15 healthcare essentials to support you to get the care you need.
You can find out your own results by logging on to your mydiabetesmyway account.
Don’t worry about not having some of the screening done for a few months. Most of these can wait.
If you attend secondary care for your diabetes clinics (ie David Anderson Building, Fraserburgh, Kincardine Hospital in Stonehaven or Dr Grays’ Hospital in Elgin) and monitor your blood glucose levels at home then your health care professional can access these remotely if you upload prior to your appointment.
For most monitors you can use glooko.
More information about this is available at glooko patient support pages.
To link you will need the Grampian Adult Diabetes Service code: 47-24134
For FreeStyle Libre users, you can upload your results to Libreview.
The Grampian Adults Diabetes Service Practice ID is 09646522
Also think about what is important to you and any goals or challenges you may have with regards to your health and diabetes.
Some things people often ask about include:
- Healthcare essentials
- Food to lower blood glucose levels
- Foot Care
- Physical Activity
- High blood glucose levels
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Pregnancy and contraception
- Alcohol
- Sexual Health
- Sick day guidance
- Driving
- Mood
- Eating
- Smoking
- Hypos
Whether you are having a face to face, phone or video (Nearme) appointment, it is helpful to be ready so you can make the most of the time with your healthcare professional.
Think about what is going well, how you can to continue this and where you may want to improve.
Consider asking about what do do if you become unwell.
Be familiar with your diabetes record on My Diabetes My Way.
If available upload your blood glucose meter in advance of the appointment. (see below for more information)
Face to face appointments are likely to be tighter with timekeeping to minimise the risks of having too many people in the clinic so to do try to get there in time. If you need your feet checked or bloods taken choosing clothing that helps with this can also be sensible.
Remote appointments may be through telephone or with the ‘NHS Near Me’ technology. Prior to your appointment try to:
Be in a private area with good wifi or phone reception
Be able to write down information or summary of your discussion
At the end of your appointment:
Make a plan for any changes you have decided on with your healthcare professional.
If possible make plan that is ‘SMART’ – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and has a Timeline.
Ensure you know when your screening is due and if you need to arrange it.
For secondary care, there are now Community Hubs where some of this screening takes place and if your health care professional has requested bloods you will need to arrange a time with the hub to have them done.
The phone number is 01224 555177
Download the Secondary Care Community Hub Leaflet for more information.
In between appointments, there are many ways you can learn more about your diabetes. For example, doing one of the online modules linked to on the Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes pages. There are also ideas to help you continue to manage your diabetes and health by eating healthily, getting some exercise, looking after your feet and, if relevant to you, checking your blood glucose levels and adjusting your insulin.
Further Helpful Information:
My Diabetes My Way
Mydiabetesmyway is the NHS Scotland interactive diabetes website to help support people who have diabetes and their family and friends.
It has leaflets, videos, educational tools and games containing information about diabetes. You can now also use this website to view your own up-to-date diabetes clinic results, to help you manage your condition more effectively
Nearme (also known as Attend Anywhere)
This is a confidential and secure service video call service. Please see the NHS Grampian Near Me website for more information which also enables you to try out a test call. Your healthcare professional will provide you with a weblink to use for the consultation.
