Long-term conditions
Diabetes Care & Follow-up
Living well with diabetes is a long-term partnership. Regular reviews help keep blood sugar in a healthy range and catch related problems early, before they cause harm.
At a glance
- Good for
- People living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or prediabetes
- Reviews
- At intervals agreed with your doctor
- Checks
- Blood sugar, blood pressure, kidneys, feet and eyes
- Referrals
- To specialists, eye screening or dietitians when needed
In plain words
Diabetes affects how the body manages sugar in the blood. Over time, consistently high levels can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and feet. Good control lowers those risks.
Follow-up appointments look at the whole picture: your readings, your medicines, how you're feeling, and the routine checks that protect your long-term health.
Why people book
A follow-up visit may include:
- Reviewing your home glucose readings and recent HbA1c results
- Checking whether your medicines are working and suiting you
- Blood pressure and cholesterol, which matter alongside sugar
- Kidney tests and a foot check, at intervals your doctor advises
- Arranging eye screening and other referrals
Only a consultation can tell what's right for you.
What happens at the visit
Every visit is different. Your doctor will explain what they suggest before anything is done.
Your readings
Home glucose records, recent results and anything that's changed.
Medicine review
What you take, how you take it, side effects and any difficulties.
Routine checks
Blood pressure, weight, feet, and tests that are due.
A shared plan
Targets you agree on together, and the date of your next review.
Between reviews
- Keep recording readings in the way your doctor suggested
- Don't stop or change diabetes medicines without medical advice
- Check your feet regularly and report any sores or changes
- Contact the clinic if readings are often much higher or lower than usual
Seek urgent help. Seek urgent medical help for very high or very low blood sugar that doesn't respond to your usual plan, confusion, unusual drowsiness, vomiting with high readings, or difficulty breathing. Call 112 in an emergency.
What to bring
- Your glucose meter or a record of recent readings
- All your medicines, including insulin and supplements
- Recent blood test and eye screening reports
Please bring these with you rather than sending them through a website. See the full checklist
Questions people ask
How often do I need a diabetes review?
It varies. When treatment is being adjusted, reviews may be closer together. Once things are stable, they're usually spaced out. Your doctor will advise.
What is HbA1c?
A blood test that reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. It helps show how well your current plan is working.
Why does the doctor check my feet?
Diabetes can reduce feeling and circulation in the feet, so small injuries can go unnoticed. Regular checks help catch problems early.
Can a family member come to my reviews?
Yes. Many people find it helpful, especially if a family member helps with meals or medicines.
Have a question that isn't answered here?
Clinical review pending
Before publication, a registered doctor at the clinic reviews this guide. Their name, registration number and the review date appear here. General information for patients, not a diagnosis or personal advice.
Questions about diabetes care and follow-up?
Request an appointment and the doctor will talk it through with you, examine you if needed and explain your options.