Essential health checks available to all diabetes patients
Each year, there are a number of health checks that those living with diabetes are entitled to. These health checks are to be competed in order to reduce your risk of developing any serious diabetes complications such as issues with your sight (retinopathy), kidney problems (nephropathy), or foot problems.
Your diabetes annual review will routinely be carried out by your GP surgery. If you are actively seeing the ESNEFT community diabetes team, where possible, we will try to do this for you to save multiple appointments.
The 15 Essential Health Checks are:
Blood glucose test (HbA1c)
It is good practice to regularly monitor your own blood glucose levels.
Blood pressure check
Visit the Diabetes UK website on how to look after your blood pressure (Opens in a new window)
Cholesterol check
Eye Screening
Book an eye screening test on the InHealth group website (Opens in a new window)
Kidney tests
Foot and leg checks
For advice on how to check your own feet and what to look for read more int eh Diabetes UK website (Opens in a new window)
Emotional and psychological support
Visit the Therapy for you website for resources about mental health and wellbeing (Opens in a new window)
Diabetes education
ESNEFT community diabetes (North East Essex Diabetes Service – NEEDS) offer Type 1 and Type 2 patient education sessions at a variety of different community settings and times.
Care from diabetes specialists
The ESNEFT community diabetes (NEEDS) team is made up of nurse consultants, diabetic specialist nurses, dieticians, community diabetologists, podiatrists and administrators.
Inpatient care
Inpatient care for diabetes is available at Colchester General Hospital.
Support with any sexual problems
The Diabetes UK website offers advice on sex and diabetes (Opens in a new window)
Quit smoking support
For online support for quitting smoking visit The Better Health website (Opens in a new window)
Specialist pregnancy care
Staying on top of your diabetes management is key when you are planning and going through pregnancy.
Healthy Living with Diabetes
Visit the Better Health website for free support for stop smoking, getting active, losing weight and mental health (Opens in a new window)
Free flu jab
The NHS website allows you to book a flu vaccination appointment (Opens in a new window)