We recognise the additional challenges that are currently faced by people living with diabetes and have adapted our care pathways and services to best meet local need making sure that people who need care can get it, in the right place at the right time. All of our services continue to provide care and support through telephone virtual and online clinics, with face-to-face care available where appropriate, such as foot care clinics.
While we are here to support you when you need us, it is vital that you take care of yourself and manage your diabetes effectively during the pandemic and beyond. This includes being aware of your emotions and asking for mental health support if you need it; making sure you take your medication and have what you need available; eating the right foods and keeping physically healthy with plenty of exercise; and being aware of the complications and how to manage these to reduce any risk to your health.
Additionally, it is vital that you are aware of the signs and symptoms you experience when you are not feeling well and make sure you get the medical advice and care you need before you deteriorate. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Sick day rules
It is important to continue to manage your condition even if you contract coronavirus. To assist with this the NHS have developed sick day rules for Type 1, Type 2 and people on multiple daily injections. Please make sure you are aware of and understand this guidance. If you have any questions or concerns speak to a healthcare professional.
- How to manage Type 1 diabetes if you become unwell with coronavirus (for patients on an insulin pump)
- How to manage Type 1 diabetes if you become unwell with coronavirus (for patients on multiple daily injections (MDI))
- How to manage Type 2 diabetes if you become unwell with coronavirus and what to do with your medication
Information regarding diabetes and sick day rules are now available at the link below in Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, simplified Chinese, Somali, Tamil, traditional Chinese, Turkish and Urdu. The PDFs are available for download on the Diabetes UK website at https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/information-in-different-languages
There are also useful resources in British Sign Language for people who are deaf or hard of hearing – https://www.diabetes.org.uk/other_languages/information-in-british-sign-language
Useful resources
Coronavirus
Foot health
Diabetes and your body
Getting support
- Call the Diabetes UK Helpline for Type 1s and patients who are insulin treated: 0345 123 2399 or by email helpline@diabetes.org.uk. Available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
- Coping with being newly diagnosed
- A range of online tools and resources from NHS England
- You can also join the diabetes support forum – an online community where you can exchange knowledge and experiences with other people with diabetes, family and carers.
Self-management
- Sign up to the BERTIE Type 1 education programme for free
- Sign up free to the Type 1 Diabetes Tool – MyType1Diabetes
- Sign up to the DESMOND Type 2 diabetes education programme for free
- Know Diabetes. How to be healthier with diabetes
- The Diabetes UK Learning Zone to help you live more confidently with diabetes
Exercise
- A guide to managing your diabetes through exercise (Diabetes UK)
- 10 minute work outs you can do at home with no equipment (NHS UK)
- Living with diabetes and the importance of exercise (You Tube)
- Simple exercises you can do at home (PDF)
- Introducing Yoga (NHS UK)
Stop smoking
- Get help to stop smoking
- Get support in your borough:
Community support services during the pandemic
Help is on hand if you need it: