NHS Lincolnshire’s: Diabetes advice and support – making a difference across Lincolnshire

The 8-14th June is Diabetes Awareness week. Recent reports show that people living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with Covid-19. NHS Lincolnshire is reaching out to people living with diabetes who may be concerned by this news and also to those who are worried about developing Type 2 diabetes.

People with diabetes are not more likely to contract the virus than those without and those under 40 are still at extremely low risk, whether they have diabetes or not. However, people living with diabetes - whatever type they have - may want to be more informed on how to best manage their condition, ensure they take their medication as directed, exercise a little and eat well.

Many outpatient appointments have been paused due to the pandemic, but your health professionals are still available to support you, with many offering telephone or video consultations. Our community-based specialist nurses are also continuing to support GP practices and other health professionals to help keep people safe. 

There are several ways to access information and support during these times:
For people with Type 1 diabetes a new digital information hub has just been launched: My Type 1 Diabetes features e-learning, supportive and interactive information and videos as well as dedicated advice on diabetes and Covid-19. Visit the site here: https://mytype1diabetes.nhs.uk/. 

For people with Type 2 diabetes: MyDesmond is an online education tool. You can email myDESMOND@uhl-tr.nhs.uk  with your name, email address, postcode and (if possible) NHS number for free access.  You can also ask your GP practice to refer you to the structured education programme.  
If you are an adult with insulin-treated diabetes and you need immediate clinical advice, but cannot access your usual care team the NHS Diabetes Advice Line is available on 0345 123 2339 9-6pm Mon-Fri. 

If you care for a young child with diabetes then important advice and information can be found at www.digibete.org 
If you think you may be at risk of developing diabetes and would like to know what programmes, support and advice is available for prevention, take a look at the ICS Health and Wellbeing’s website https://icshealth.co.uk. The site contains lots of useful information including nutrition tips for staying healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sarah Dunderdale, Diabetes Transformation Lead, NHS Lincolnshire says “In this diabetes week we want the people of Lincolnshire to know we are here for them.  57,000 people in Lincolnshire have diabetes with many more likely to develop it in the near future. We will do all that we can to help prevent or delay people from developing diabetes and ensure those with the condition live long and healthy lives.” 

For more information and updates on diabetes and other services in the county please follow our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NHSLincsCCG
Twitter: #LincsDiabetes @NHSLincsCCG
We also have a virtual Patient Engagement Group, which receives regular updates and provides patients, carers and families with the opportunity to get involved in Diabetes service developments across Lincolnshire. To get involved, please email: lpn-tr.lincsdiabetes@nhs.net