Diabetes is a condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
The most commonly known types of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and Gestational diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, your GP will refer you to the Trust where a member of the diabetes specialist team will provide support, education and appropriate treatment to manage your condition.
You will see a dietitian who will help you with healthy eating who will work with our diabetes specialist nurses to tailor an insulin routine to suit your lifestyle.
We know there is a lot to learn, so we will work with you over a number of weeks to help you manage and gain control of your diabetes to reduce the risk of any complications in the future.
If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes we will encourage you to come to a local education programme called HATT1E, to help improve your knowledge and your glucose control.
This programme covers all aspects of Type 1 diabetes and teaches you about carbohydrate counting. This is an effective way of managing blood glucose levels.
You will be referred to our service by your GP.
Type 2 Diabetes
If you have Type 2 diabetes you will be referred to an education programme called DESMOND (diabetes, education, self management, ongoing and newly diagnosed) to give you the information you need to understand diabetes and to self-manage your condition. You will learn about risks and complications linked with diabetes and lean how to reduce these risks.
Healthy lifestyle issues are discussed and individual patient needs are addressed on this a national programme recommended by Diabetes UK and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
You may never need to attend our hospital service, but diabetes can be progressive and you may eventually require injectable treatments.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. In the UK approximately 16 out of 100 women will develop gestational diabetes. Find out more about the different types of diabetes.
Children and young people’s diabetes
You can find all the information you need about our children and young people’s diabetes service.
Making a referral
If you require a referral into the specialist service, your G.P surgery will use the NHS e-Referral Service.
Contact Diabetes Specialist Nurses
Hartlepool 01429 522594
Stockton 01642 624109