Bexley Diabetes Service
Diabetes services in Bexley are changing for the better. In 2009 we began redesigning our services to offer people with diabetes access to the right skills,
in the right place, at the right time.
We continue to work together – with patients, families, doctors, nurses and other specialists - to make this happen. Our aim is to offer those with diabetes the highest level of service to support them in managing their condition.
The changes in Bexley are part of a London–wide initiative to improve diabetes services. You can find out more about plans to improve diabetes care across London on the Healthcare for London website via the right hand link.
We will continue to share our progress with you as we implement more changes.
To find out more about our on-going improvements to the Bexley Diabetes service, go to our Improving diabetes services page.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a common life-long condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high as the body cannot utilise it properly. This is because the pancreas does not produce any or not enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly (this is known as insulin resistance).
Insulin helps glucose enter the body’s cells, where it is used for energy.
Glucose comes from digesting carbohydrate from various kinds of food and drink.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells have been destroyed and the body is unable to produce any insulin. It is treated with insulin either by injection or pump, a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly. It is treated with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, but medication and/or insulin is often required.
Type 2 diabetes risk score
Many people are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes without realising it. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly. To find out if you’re at risk of Type 2 diabetes, take ‘the risk score’.
Local support and education
If you live in the Bexley area and have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes there are free local education programmes and support groups that will give you advice and up to date information about managing your condition well.
Education for Health Professionals
If you are a health professional working in the field of diabetes we are running a series of courses over the coming year. For more information please visit our Events calendar for more details and course dates.
Retinography Screening
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age in the UK.
This is due to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a
complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the retina. Diabetes
causes the capillaries - tiny blood vessels - in the retina to become blocked,
resulting in inhibited sight. This is why it is recommended that if you have diabetes you attend a retinopathic screening test once a year. To learn more browse the section on Diabetic retinopathy screening.
Get involved
We offer two local support group in Bexley for those who have diabetes or are affected by it.
Diabetes Bexley Support Group
If you have diabetes or are affected by it, and live in Bexley, our Diabetes Support Group offers information about the condition and the best treatments available as well as campaigning for improvements in diabetes
care in Bexley.
Young Diabetic
Youngdiabetic.co.uk is a group based in South East London for young diabetics between the ages of 14 to 40 to meet and share information and advice on managing diabetes – the group is mainly targeted at Type 1 Diabetics but Type 2’s are welcome to join as well as family members.
The group was created in March 2010 by a group of founding members in Bexley who themselves suffer from diabetes and believe there is a lack of support for young Type 1 diabetics and their families.
For more information and our upcoming event dates, visit the group's website.
Contact us
For help with managing your diabetes, contact the diabetes team at your GP Practice.
If you would like support or more information about your local services
contact the Bexley Care Trust diabetes team.
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK have a Careline 0845 120 2960 you can call for help or information.
The Diabetes UK website on the right side link contains a wealth of relevant information and advice about diabetes. Join the Diabetes UK Facebook group
