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Patients & Visitors

Dietetics

Overview

Acute Medical

Community

Paediatrics

Dietary information

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes the blood sugar level to become too high. The aim of treatment is to develop self-management skills to help achieve optimal blood glucose control. 

The adult diabetes dietitians work closely with diabetes consultants, specialist diabetes nurses community and inpatient), diabetes psychologists and diabetes podiatrists. 

What do we do?

We support people with:

  1. Type 1 diabetes (newly diagnosed and ongoing) on multiple daily insulin injections or an insulin pump
  2. Type 2 diabetes
  3. Pregnancy complicated by diabetes (pre-existing or gestational)

We provide specialist diabetes care and we specialise in seeing people with diabetes and complications. There are a range of clinics which may include consultants, nurses and dietitians.

Appointments are either face to face, by telephone or by a video.  Clinics are held in the hospital and in the community; and patients may be offered a home visit if necessary.

Structured group education sessions are offered - e.g. Freedom For Life for Type 1 diabetes management and X-PERT Type 2 diabetes group education programme. The courses will increase knowledge, skills and understanding to help make lifestyle choices to manage blood glucose levels more effectively.

In addition, the dietitian offers carbohydrate counting sessions.  This is an effective way to manage blood glucose by being aware of the carbohydrate content of food and drink.  This can give more freedom and flexibility for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. 

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Diabetes and pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but is more common in the second or third trimester.

The dietitian will provide specialist advice to help you manage your gestational diabetes, with specific advice on nutrient requirements in pregnancy tailored to your needs.

The NHS UK website has more information.

Insulin pump therapy

Insulin pump therapy provides care for people living with Type 1 diabetes. The service includes insulin pump starts and support with insulin pump management.

This is a multi-disciplinary service where patients may meet with the consultant, diabetes specialist nurses and diabetes specialist dietitian. The eligibility for insulin pump therapy is considered on an individual basis, in line with NICE guidance.

Young people diabetes service

It can be challenging at times to make changes to diet and lifestyle. This service helps young people to help achieve the best blood glucose control.

Care is provided in collaboration with the consultant, diabetes specialist nurse, diabetes specialist dietitian and clinical psychologist. The team work closely with the Paediatric Diabetes team to help transfer their care and aid a smooth transition to the adult services.

Useful information and resources

The Diabetes UK website has useful information about risk factors for diabetes, diagnosis and treatment.


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