|
|
 |
Diabetic Nurse led annual reviews (01/04
RMD)
We are very keen that our diabetic patients get the best care that we
can deliver in this practice. We think that it would be useful to
explain to you how that care is delivered.
PATIENTS REQUIRING INSULIN remain under the care of the Diabetic clinic
at Warwick Hospital. They will see you for regular testing and treatment
review. We however will prescribe the medication they advise under the
REPEAT PRESCRIBING system that you currently use.
NURSE LED DIABETIC ASSESSMENTS FOR ALL OTHER DIABETIC PATIENTS
Patients not on medication and those needing medication other than
Insulin remain under the care of the GP. This care is accessed through
the Nurse led diabetic clinic.
Once a year you will be invited by letter to have some blood tests, see
an optician and then make an appointment with the practice nurse.
The Practice Nurse will undertake a diabetic review once the results of
the blood tests are back. During this review she will assess how well
you monitor your blood sugar, check your diet, blood pressure, urine,
blood vessels, reflexes and feet. She will ensure that you have seen
your optician for a diabetic retinopathy screen . The state of your
diabetes, heart, blood pressure, cholesterol,
eye and kidney function will be assessed. She will also arrange for you
to see the GP if there are problems with your management according to
the Diabetic review guideline. The GP may decide to see you more
frequently if there are problems or changes to your treatment but the
Nurse led review will continue annually regardless.
Please ensure that you have had your blood tests and if possible have
seen an optician before you attend the nurse's appointment.
Wear light clothing which you can easily remove in order to be examined.
Please bring your blood test book if you have one, and bring a sample of
urine for testing.
DO NOT ask the doctor or nurse to deal with other medical problems at
these appointments. If you have other worries make a SEPARATE
appointment.
Much of diabetes care rests with you but with good medical care the
effects it has on your life can be substantially reduced.
Diabetic Feet.. How to Care for them (28/2/02
LP)
1. DO NOT SMOKE. It decreases the blood supply to your feet.
2. NEVER walk barefoot, neither indoors nor out.
3. Examine your feet daily for redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers,
scratches, cuts and nail problems from shoes or other sources. Look at
the bottoms and between toes. Use a mirror or have someone else look for
you.
4. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any injury to your
foot. Even a minor injury is an emergency for a patient with diabetes.
5. Examine your shoes for foreign objects, protruding nails and rough
spots inside before putting them on. Look and feel.
6. Buy shoes late in the day. Never buy shoes that need "breaking in."
They should be immediately comfortable. Request shoes with deep toe
boxes and made of leather upper material. Do not wear new shoes more
than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same ones
every day.
7. Never wear sandals or thongs.
8. Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting
cream between toes. Try Curel, Lubriderm, olive oil, vitamin E oil or
lanolin. Avoid Vaseline, petroleum jelly, mineral oil or baby oil.
9. Do not soak your feet. Skin can break down and won't heal well.
10. Keep feet away from heat (heating pads, hot water pads, electric
blankets, radiator, fireplaces). You can burn your feet without knowing
it. Water temperature should be less than 92 degrees. Estimate with your
elbow or bath thermometer (you can get one in any store that sells
infant products).
11. Don't use any tape or sticky products such as corn plasters on your
feet. They can rip your skin.
12. Do not file down, remove or shave calluses or corns yourself. These
should be taken care of by your physician or someone your physician
recommends.
13. Do not use any chemicals or strong antiseptic solutions on your
feet. Iodine, salicylic acid, corn/callus removers are dangerous.
14. Do not trim your own toenails.
15. Do not wear stockings or socks with tight elastic backs and do not
use garters. Wear only white socks and do not wear any socks with holes.
Always wear shoes with socks.
16. In the winter, wear wool socks and protective footwear. Avoid
getting feet wet in the snow and rain and avoid letting toes get cold.
17. If the circulation in your feet is impaired, tell your medical
doctor so he/she can take this into account when prescribing medication
for high blood pressure or heart disease.
^top
|
 |
|
 Whitnash
Medical Centre
110 Coppice Road
Whitnash
Warwickshire
CV31 2LT
Tel: 01926 316711
Fax: 01926 427260
|
|
|
 |
