Diabetes Annual Review

If you have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you are entitled to a check-up every year at your GP surgery. This is often called the diabetes annual review.  This will usually involve two separate appointments. One appointment to complete the following:  

• Measure your height and weight 

• Ask whether you smoke  

• Blood tests – to check your HbA1c (sugar level), kidneys and cholesterol 

• Urine sample – to check if your diabetes is affecting your kidneys   

• Foot check - to check for nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation (ischaemia), or skin problems 

• Blood pressure  

You will then usually be offered a second appointment with your practice nurse to talk about the results of these tests and change your diabetes medication if needed.  Your practice nurse will also advise whether you need medication to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, medication to help protect your kidneys from being affected by your diabetes, discuss contraception and pregnancy planning if appropriate, and refer you to a podiatrist (foot specialist) if you are having problems with your feet.  
 
For more information about the podiatry service within CTM please click here. 

Your practice nurse can also refer you to a local diabetes education programme, to the national exercise referral scheme, and to nutrition and dietetics for additional support with your diet. 

As Diabetes can also affect your vision you are entitled to attend diabetic eye screening appointments.  These appointments are different from eye tests at your local opticians.  You should be invited for regular diabetic eye screening from Diabetic Eye Screening Wales (DESW) every 1-2 years.  If you haven’t been invited to attend diabetic eye screening, then ask your practice nurse to refer you to DESW.  For more information about diabetes eye screening click here.