Diabetes helped by clinic attendance

A random study of diabetics has shown that 90 per cent of patients had better control of their diabetes after attending a diabetes clinic on a regular basis.

The survey was conducted among those attending the clinic at the Woy Woy General Practice in the Clocktower Centre.

This has reduced diabetes-related hospitalisations in Peninsula patients, said practice manager Mrs Angela Mason.

The clinic has been running for three years and sees up to 20 patients a week.

Nurses run it in consultation with a general practitioner.

The initial visit and assessment takes 45-60 minutes and further visits usually take 30 minutes.

Depending on the patient's understanding and control of their condition, visits are arranged weekly, monthly or yearly with a letter sent to patients reminding them to attend.

At each visit, the patient has a blood test, a foot check and monitoring of blood pressure, weight and diet.

If necessary, education of the patient and family is undertaken, and specialist referrals such as podiatry and eye tests are also made.

After attending the clinic, most patients understand the side-effects and the warning signs of their condition.

They are taught home monitoring methods such as finger-stick and urine tests.

Home visits are also performed when insulin is introduced into the patient's care.

The improvements seen in Peninsula diabetics at the clinic has added years to people's lives and given them a better quality of life, said Mrs Mason.

Karen Booth, March 13