Further support

More broadly, sometimes just a general “how are you doing?” can help tease out any issues. Some may be minor and easily resolvable – for example, how to plan normal daily activities around medication taking – but others may be regarded as insignificant by the patient yet actually indicate that medical attention is needed. 

It is also a way of checking on mental wellbeing. Like other long-term conditions, diabetes is a risk factor for developing anxiety and depression. There may be other emotional or psychological issues to deal with as well. 

Younger people in particular may be experiencing needle phobia, fear of self-injecting and eating disorders, which can lead to poor glycaemic control and increase the risk of complications. Or there may be behavioural disorders such as risk-taking or relationship difficulties, which may impact their quality of life and that of their caregivers.

Reflection exercise

Find out how your local GP surgery checks whether its patients are developing any microvascular complications with their diabetes. Has any of this work been delayed due to Covid-19? How can you help?