When first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you will be offered an appointmnet at the surgery. This will be with a nurse or GP with a special interest in diabetes managment to optomise your care. They will discuss anyquestions you have and advise you about services available to help you manage your diabetes.

Your first appointment will

• explain what type 2 diabetes is
• offer a referral to diabetes edicuation.  This is highly recommended
• refer you for retinal (eye) screening
• discuss diet and activity and how that can impact on your glucose (sugar) levels

You will be seen every 6 months but after an initial diagnosis we understand that you may have questions that we will be happy to answer. Arrange a call or leave a question for your diabetic nurse.

This will occur every 6 months and will generally alternate between nurse and GP.

You will be asked to have your blood tests taken prior to your review and bring a urine sample at the appointment.

If you have been asked to monitor your blood sugars, we will have provided you with the equipment. Please bring your blood glucose with you. Not everyone with diabetes needss to monitor their blood sugar regularly at home. Most patients will have their overall blood sugar checked (HbA1C) checked prior to their review only. HbA1C indicates what your blood sugars have been like over the previous 3 months.

Further information

Lifestyle change including dietry changes and exercises is cruicial in treating diabetes and avoiding complications.

Patients can reduce their glucose levels and put their diabetes into remission!

We will offer information to help you make changes that allow you to manage your diabete. This is vitally important and we will support you with this. Further information is available by clicking DiabetesUK above and links below.

You do not need to join a gym if you do not wish to

Choose an activity you enjoy. Make it fun.

Small changes add up- take the stairs instead afo a lift. Get up during the ad breaks. Park further away and walk.

30 minutes of modertaely intense activity and 15 mins of vigorous exercise at least 5 times a week is recommended.

Bridgwater has Health walks aimed at all abilities.