You can find out more about the 15 essential health checks in Are you really getting your 15? (PDF, 219KB).

If you have any questions or concerns about your checks, or if there are any checks you are not receiving, it is important to discuss this with your doctor or healthcare professional.

It may be that you have been waiting a long time for your diabetes check up, have problems arranging your appointment, or are not receiving the checks you should be. You may find it helpful to take along a copy of the 15 healthcare essentials checklist (PDF, 164KB) and use this as an aid to discussion. You can explain that you have received the information on the 15 healthcare essentials for diabetes and would like to know how you can access the necessary checks. 

Making a complaint

If you are not happy with the response you receive, you can ask the organisation for a copy of their complaints procedure. The complaints procedure should give details of who to make the complaint to and any time limits that may apply. If you are unable to complain yourself, you may want to ask a relative or friend to help.

Put your complaint in writing, and keep a copy of it and any response you receive. Explain what you are dissatisfied about and what you would like to happen as a result of your complaint. If you receive a response by telephone, ask them to put their response in writing to you.

There are a different series of steps to follow in each nation, and different organisations that can provide advice and support. Find out more about the complaints procedure where you live.

If you are not happy with the response you receive, you can refer your complaint to the Ombudsman. You can find more information on the Ombudsman, time limits etc at www.adviceguide.org.uk.

We offer an advocacy service to people with diabetes on issues in connection with their condition. Find out more about the Diabetes UK Advocacy Service.

Getting involved

There are several reasons why you may not be receiving the minimum level of care from your diabetes healthcare team. If you would like to get involved in the planning and organisation of your diabetes service, you can ask at your GP practice about whether there is a user group or patient forum, and find out how you can get in touch.

To learn about becoming involved in your local NHS and diabetes services as a Diabetes UK service user representative, contact us at userinvolvement@diabetes.org.uk, or by telephone on 020 7424 1000.

To find out other ways to get involved and have a say, why not sign up to Diabetes Voices?