Specialist diabetes clinics help patients prepare for surgery and adopt healthier lifestyle

Date: 14 November 2019

Diabetes clinic for web

Medway NHS Foundation Trust has launched an innovative clinic to help patients with type 2 diabetes prepare for surgery and embark on a healthier lifestyle.

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. Despite being largely preventable through lifestyle changes, there are currently 3.4 million people with the disease in England and around 200,000 new diagnoses every year.

The ‘DIAL-M’ programme (Diabetes and Lifestyle Management Medway), led by Perioperative Medicine Lead Dr Tara Rampal and Diabetes Specialist Nurse Amanda Epps, will give patients an integrated diabetes management plan, combining care from the Trust’s Pharmacy and Prehabilitation teams.

Treatment is initially being offered to high risk patients who have high blood sugar levels (HbA1C). They will receive a personalised package of continuous care in an effort to best prepare them ahead of surgery, and improve patient safety and satisfaction. Previously, patients with high HbA1C would often be referred back to their GP or other services in the community.

Dr Tara Rampal said: ‘’We are really excited to launch this project which highlights the benefits of working in partnership to deliver brilliant care for our patients across Medway and Swale.

“Managing type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge for so many people and a growing issue for the wider NHS. We know that the condition can be largely preventable, which is why we have created this new service to provide our patients with specialist guidance on managing their condition and empowerment to make healthier lifestyle changes.’’

Earlier this year, it was announced that thousands of people at risk of Type 2 diabetes would receive extra support to prevent them developing the condition as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

The launch coincides with World Diabetes Day on Thursday 14 November 2019.

  • Summary:

    Medway NHS Foundation Trust has launched an innovative clinic to help patients with type 2 diabetes prepare for surgery and embark on a healthier lifestyle.