What to expect from us

  • Four diabetes team clinic appointments a year, about every 3 months. Here you will always see a doctor and at least one other member of the team, such as a nurse, dietitian or psychologist.
  • Extra appointments if you need more help or education to help manage diabetes well. This could be with the nurse, dietitian or psychologist.
  • An annual review with a dietitian.
  • An annual mental wellbeing check.
  • Diabetes advice on technology, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring.
  • 24 hour support in diabetes management.

Transition clinics

  • Between the age of 13-14 years old, we prepare your child towards gaining more independence. 
  • At age 15 to 16 years old, you attend a Transition Clinic. Here the paediatric team will continue to support you with your diabetes care but you will meet some of the adult diabetes team too.
  • Around the age of 18 years old you will move across to the Adult Diabetes Service.

What we expect from you - becoming experts in your own diabetes care

We cannot manage your child’s diabetes without your help! We encourage and support you to become an expert in your child’s diabetes management.

Don’t wait until your next appointment

If your child needs more or less insulin, then it is important not to wait for the next clinic appointment for advice on changes.  3 months is a long time to be struggling with high or low blood glucose levels.

Review blood glucose data weekly

Find a regular time each week to upload the devices and review the download information. Look for patterns of highs or lows at certain times of the day. You can check the number of boluses, if corrections are working, what carbohydrates have been entered, if carb ratios need changing and much more!

Ask for help

Until you are trained and confident to make insulin changes, the diabetes team can teach you how to interpret download information.  Then you can safely adjust insulin dosages, in between your clinic appointments.

Your commitment to your child’s ongoing Diabetes Management Plan

We are dedicated to the care of your child. However, we can only succeed with your help. By committing to the requests below you can help us to help you and your child.

  • Please be open and honest with the team about your child’s diabetes. Share any concerns.  This way we can work together to achieve the best outcomes for your child.
  • Attend all appointments including clinics, home visits and education sessions.  Give at least 48 hours notice if you cannot attend, so we can use your appointment for others waiting to be seen.
  • Bring your equipment including meters, smart pens and pumps to every appointment so the team can review.
  • Be organised.  Ensure you give plenty of time to collect prescriptions, plan for appointments, technology dispatch dates etc. Try having a diabetes calendar /planner or something on display at home to keep you organised.
  • Follow any management plans agreed with the diabetes team. Share your diabetes knowledge, practical skills and any care plans with other carers. Good co-parenting and communication between separated parents or other carers is vital.
  • Carry all essential kit and ensure school have up to date supplies.