Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
Essential diabetic information for people living in Edinburgh: Information and Support
There are 2 main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cell s that produce insulin
Type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2
During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose that their body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. This is known as gestational diabetes.
It is important to check your blood pressure, feet, and eyes regularly if you have diabetes as all these areas can be affected. You will be offered regular blood tests at Leith Mount Surgery according to your diabetic level . Our Practice nurses will also arrange to have a telephone appointment with you to discuss your diabetes and especially the areas below.
Blood pressure- It is very important to have good blood pressure if you have diabetes as this will help protect your kidneys and heart. You will be contacted by the Practice team to organize a blood pressure check. You can do this at home by following the instructions below or if you feel unable to do this please contact our Reception who will arrange for you to have your Blood pressure checked in the Surgery. Click on the links below:
BP measuring at home Leith Mount Surgery Home Blood Pressure Diary
Eyes – Please make sure you make an annual appointment with your Optician to have your eyes tested. You may also be sent a hospital appointment for a special eye check. It is really important you attend for this.
Feet- Diabetes can affect the nerve function in your feet. By checking your feet regularly you can be aware of any changes and then alert the Practice nurse to this. The Nurse can then make an appointment to see you and if needed, refer you to a special diabetic foot clinic. Click on the link here: How to check your feet at home
Diabetes - Diabetes Video By kind permission of Dr Churn at Harbours Medical Practice
Many of you are continuing to manage your long term conditions during this Covid 19 pandemic. Doctor Churn at The Harbours Medical Practice has developed a series of videos to help you. They may give you some new tips to try and optimize the control of your condition.
By kind permission of Dr Churn at Harbours Medical Practice
Weight loss Management / Pre diabetes
Your Nurse or Doctor has asked you to lose weight. This may be due to
- raised blood pressure
- rising sugar levels or
- some other things going on in your body which puts you at more risk for developing Diabetes (when your body can no longer cope with managing sugar).
- You may be aware you are overweight and have decided to improve your own health by losing weight.
Losing weight gets harder the older you get but it is well worth all the effort needed .
You will feel better physically and mentally. You will feel less tired and have less aches and pains. By losing weight you are investing in you and improving your overall health.
NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Leisure would like to support you to lose weight.
Please click on the following links to choose the service you feel would most fit your needs. There is a self referral pathway on both the NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Leisure web sites that we ask you to fill out and send back as per the instructions.
Adult weight loss- https://services.nhslothian.scot/AWMT2D/Pages/default.aspx
Child weight loss - https://services.nhslothian.scot/ChildHealthyWeight
Weight loss requires you to move more as well as eat less. Edinburgh Leisure are delighted to be able to offer you opportunities to improve and increase the amount of physical exercise you do which will help you lose weight and become healthier.
Edinburgh leisure is offering the "Get Going" programme to families - https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/active-communities/get-going
and the "Get Moving" programme to adults. https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/get-moving
There are self referral forms on both web sites and you can also email or phone Edinburgh Leisure directly by clicking through to their web pages.