On this page you'll find information on the range of services available for people with diabetes in the Bailiwick.
The diabetes team is made up of both adult and paediatric diabetologists, specialist nurses, dieticians, nurses and surgeons.
A GP's referral is needed for access by the diabetologists however referral to the team's nurses can be made directly by patients. The team can also be accessed through hospital nurses for inpatients, the Emergency Department, or by any MSG consultant.
An answerphone to contact the diabetes team is available during office hours on tel: 01481 225445; out of hours advice is through your GP/Primary Care.
Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas to be destroyed, preventing the body from being able to produce enough insulin to adequately regulate blood glucose levels.
- Diabetes nurses will see anyone with Type 1 diabetes for both education and support. Insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring is available for suitable candidates as well as intensive support through pregnancy.
Type 2 Diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) caused by insulin resistance (related to weight around the waist) and by a diminishing insulin supply.
- Diabetes nurses will see people with Type 2 diabetes who are struggling to manage their condition and those needing injectable therapies.
- Good diabetes care depends largely on self management, and so educational support is offered to help people with Type 2 diabetes to self manage their condition. A free course is offered every month and attendance is strongly encouraged. The course consists of 4 sessions at Beau Sejour each lasting an hour and a quarter. Some of the topics covered are: diagnosis, food, exercise, foot care, and reducing the risk of long term problems.
- The course can be accessed through your GP or Practice Nurse. The information from the course can also be accessed through the videos below. These videos were made possible by the Isurance Corporation Healthcare Busary
Type 2 Diabetes
- This section of the course gives an overview of what Type 2 Diabetes is and how it can be managed.
Food Choices
- This section of the course looks at healthy eating for those with Type 2 Diabetes, weight management, and understanding food and drink labels.
Exercise
- This section of the course looks at how exercise can be used to help manage Type 2 Diabetes and how to make these changes.
Complications
- This section of the course looks at some of the complications of Type 2 Diabetes, such as foot issues, and how to manage them.
Monitoring and Follow Up
- This section of the course looks at how to monitor Type 2 Diabetes including driving, and coping when ill.
Gestational Diabetes
- Diabetes nurses, dietitians and adult diabetologists will see women with gestational diabetes who require intensive management until delivery. The midwives and dietitians can support women with gestational diabetes who only need midwifery and dietetic support.
- Advice and guidance for follow-up after delivery is given when the patient is discharged from the Hospital.
Foot Clinic
- Foot care for people with diabetes is incredibly important as foot related complications are common. Routine foot inspections, risk assessments, and care advice will be provided by your GP and practice nurses.
- Active foot ulceration is treated in the Secondary Care Foot Clinic on referral from your GP, community nurse, or practice nurse. Podiatry, orthotics, and assesment is available in this clinic. The clinic is free to all attendees.
- Between-visit dressings will be done by a community nurse (free) if the patient is housebound, or by a surgery practice nurse (chargeable) if the patient is mobile.
- Permanent orthotics have to be paid for unless the patient is in receipt of income support.
Eye Care
- Diabetes sometimes causes the focusing ability of the eye to weaken or to vary from day-to-day. However; this problem eases when blood glucose levels are controlled. Long term diabetes can also cause more permanent visual impairement.
- It is important therefore for people with diabetes to have routine screenings (1-2 yearly) done by any of the Island's optometrists. A voucher can be issued by the surgery to cover the cost of the digital retinal photograph. Any problems that arise from the screening will then be referred to a consultant ophthalmic surgeon.
Renal Care
- A basic renal screening will be done by your GP during your routine diabetes checks. If chronic kidney disease is detected, a referral will be made by your GP to the Renal Clinic at the Hospital. Renal dialysis is available on-Island.
