Vital diabetes health checks leaflets in Shropshire and Staffordshire

During these difficult times, many people are worried about going to appointments. Missing vital diabetes health checks can lead to delayed treatment and increased risk of diabetes-related complications.

In a drive to reach around 86,000 people living with the condition from Tamworth, Stafford and Stoke to Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry, our health check list and advice leaflet will be available when they attend their annual eye screening appointment.

Peter Shorrick, our Midlands and East Regional Head, said: 

“Your local diabetes team will be taking extra measures to keep everyone safe, there are important checks which many people living with the condition should still be having, so if you are invited to an appointment it’s important to go.

Our resource not only guides you through what to expect at your appointment during these times, but also has links to our learning zone with free education courses to help you learn more about managing your diabetes.

We are very pleased to be working closely with the Eye Screening Programme here in Shropshire and Staffordshire to support people living with diabetes thrive and be the healthiest version of themselves”.

Dr Andrew Brown, Clinical Leader for Staffordshire & Shropshire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, said:

“The Team providing diabetes care in Staffordshire and Shropshire are delighted to enhance the advice that we give to patients by deploying Diabetes UK’s health check list and advice leaflet in our clinics. Although everyone’s attention is naturally focused on the COVID 19 pandemic, this is a timely reminder that other aspects of our health are important. 

We know that the complications of diabetes can have a significant impact on the quality of life of our patients, not only in terms of vision, but also heart attacks, strokes, lower limb problems and kidney problems. 

Given the large number of people with diabetes who visit our clinics, we hope that the availability of these excellent leaflets will help patients lessen the risk of these complications and also foster better integrated care”.