Weekly
on Wednesdays from 12.30pm – 4.30pm at Maketu Health & Social Services
Your
Annual Diabetes Review
All people with diabetes are entitled
to a free annual check by their GP or Practice Nurse. Your annual review is to
enable you to lead a normal and healthy life. It must be about what you want
and need as well as what your healthcare professionals recommend.
Those that have Diabetes and are registered
with Waitaha Medical Centre who live in Maketu may have their Annual Diabetes
Review done here at Maketu Health & Social Services.
The following laboratory tests should
be part of your annual review:
·
Blood glucose
control: an HbA1c blood test will measure your long term blood glucose control.
·
Kidney
function: urine and blood tests to check for protein will show that your
kidneys are working correctly. There should not be any protein in your urine.
·
Blood fats
(lipids, cholesterol and triglyceride levels): a blood test that measures your
blood fat levels.
What is normal ranges from
person to person. If you have any questions, ask your diabetes healthcare team to explain.
Blood pressure should be taken. Keeping
your blood pressure down is important for people with diabetes. If it is at
higher levels than considered appropriate, then this should be discussed with
your diabetes healthcare team.
Weight is often calculated as a Body
Mass Index (BMI) and your GP will record this. You will be advised if you need
to lose weight to better control your diabetes.
Feet should be examined to check your
skin, circulation and nerve supply. If necessary, you should be referred to a
podiatrist.
An eye examintion at least every two
years, where your pupils are dilated, will assist your
optometrist/ophthalmologist to detect any early changes in the back of the eyes
(retinopathy). Photographs will be taken to record the appearance at the back
of your eyes.
The annual review should also provide
sufficient time to discuss:
·
Your general
wellbeing and how you are coping with your diabetes at home, work, school or
tertiary institution.
·
Your current
treatment.
·
Your diabetes
control, including yourself monitoring results.
- Any problems you may be having.
It should include discussion about
smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, sexual problems, physical activity and
healthy eating issues. You should feel free to raise any or all of these issues
with your diabetes healthcare team.
Kaumatua enjoyed a day out recently-
attending the Elder Abuse Awareness Forum at the Citizens Club in Te Puke.
Guest speakers from Age Concern, ANZ Bank, A lawyer and a police officer
addressed the attendees on ways to keep safe from being abused and scammed. It
was an interesting forum and Kaumatua learnt a lot of important information and
tricks to keeping safe.