Everyone with diabetes should have an annual review to screen and monitor diabetes-related complications
You can choose to have your annual review at the University Student health centre or in your home town. If you chose to have your annual review away from Bristol you will need to sort out an appointment in holiday time.
The annual review consists of a series of checks to ensure you keep healthy
The following tests are carried out:
Blood tests for creatinine (kidney function), cholesterol, thyroid function, HbA1c (diabetes glucose control)
Urine test for microalbuminuria (early kidney function changes)
Blood pressure
Foot examination
Retinal screening for diabetes-related eye problems
The HbA1c (or “3 month” blood test) is due to change in 2009-2010 for more information see the leaflet on Diabetes UKwebsite
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/en/About_us/News_Landing_Page/Change-in-how-HbA1c-results-are-reported/
Currently a guide to HbA1c levels is:
|
HbA1c Reading |
Average blood |
Your blood glucose control |
|
14% |
20 mmol/L |
Very poor control, take immediate action to lower |
|
10% |
13.9 mmol/L |
Poor control, take action to lower |
|
9% |
11.6 mmol/L |
Poor control, take action to lower |
|
8% |
10 mmol/L |
Marginal control, take action to lower |
|
7% |
8.3 mmol/L |
Marginal control, take action to lower |
|
6.5% |
7.5 mmol/L |
Good control target |
|
6% |
6.7 mmol/L |
Very good control |
|
Below 6% |
5.4 mmol/l |
Possible hypoglycaemia unawareness |