Medical checks

Children with diabetes should have a complete medical check by the diabetes care team. This may take the form of a yearly review or it may take place at each visit.

These checks will show how your child is managing with injections, diet and diabetes control. They also allow the team to check for any signs of diabetes ‘complications’, which can affect the feet, eyes, kidneys and circulation.

Complications are rare in children, and we know that good diabetes control greatly reduces the risk. However, it is sensible for your child to have regular checks (at least once a year) so that any problems can be picked up early and treated.

The check

The check should include:

· blood test

· urine test

· blood pressure check

· injection sites check

· foot examination

· diet review

· weight and height check

· eye examination (from the age of 12 onwards)

· discussion of any worries you may have, and setting realistic targets for control and management for the coming year.

The diabetes care team should note how many hypos, admissions to hospital and days missed from school due to diabetes your child has had.

Making the most of your appointment

Communicating with healthcare professionals is not always easy. Here are some points to help you make the most of your time.

Before

· decide what you want to get from the visit

· make a list of the points you want to raise

· inform yourself – if you know more about the things that are concerning you, you’ll be in a better position to ask questions

· find out about how much time you will have.

During

· confirm how much time you’ll have – and ask for more if you need it

· use your list to check that you have covered all the points you wanted to raise

· make notes to refer to later

· ask for clarification if you’re unsure about what is being said. You could say ‘Can I check what you meant is…’

· try and listen actively, asking questions and giving feedback

· ask for more time to think about an answer if you need to.

After

· review what you think has been agreed and achieved

· make a note of anything you need to do before your next appointment

· make a date for the next appointment.