Most diabetes care is provided in the community, for example by GPs, Nurses, Podiatrists and Dietitians. However, some specialist services are provided in hospital by Consultant Physicians, Nurses, Podiatrists and Dietitians. All GPs in Lanarkshire have signed up to deliver an enhanced diabetes service which involves managing people with uncomplicated Type 2 diabetes entirely in the community
Community Diabetes Services
Ongoing diabetes care in the community is provided by General Practitioners (GPs) and Practice Nurses. All Podiatrists are trained to assess and treat foot problems for people with diabetes. There are a number of other healthcare professionals who provide specialist input, for example Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Dietitians and Podiatrists.
All GPs in Lanarkshire have signed up to deliver an enhanced diabetes service which involves managing people with uncomplicated Type 2 diabetes entirely in the community.
This ensures that people with diabetes benefit from regular checks on a wide variety of health issues. Many GPs and Practice Nurses have also completed specialist diabetes training.
The Diabetes MCN is working towards ensuring that people with diabetes have equal access to specialist services in the community as needed.
Hospital Diabetes Services
All three hospitals in Lanarkshire deliver specialist diabetes services. Consultant-led clinics include screening, annual reviews, renal, paediatrics, pregnancy and footcare. There are three Consultant Diabetes Physicians in each hospital and a number of other Consultants with a special interest in diabetes for example Paediatricians.
Each hospital also has a number of Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSN) who run their own clinics and support patients attending Consultant-led clinics. DSNs also provide education for patients and carers and other healthcare staff. There are a number of other staff who specialise in diabetes care, for example Dietitians and Podiatrists
Many people with diabetes visit the hospital as outpatients, but for times when they need more intensive care, they may be admitted to hospital.