Thank you completing the Diabetes Care Survey 2016. Your answers will help us fight for the changes and improvements that will make the most difference to the lives of people with diabetes.
You can also help us by telling us your experiences of getting all the checks and services you’re entitled to. Have you ever had to ask for any of your 15 Healthcare Essentials, or challenge your doctor because you weren't getting all the care you deserve? Or perhaps you have personal experience of why getting all the checks is so important in helping you manage your diabetes and avoiding complications.
Whatever your story, we would love to hear it. Email us atmarketing@diabetes.org.ukorfill in our form.
Kirsty's story
Kirsty has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 20 years, and is one of thousands of people who haven't always received or had access to all 15 essential checks and services - something that she didn't know until it was too late. She wasn't getting regular eye screenings and as a result, developed diabetic retinopathy and lost 25 per cent of the vision in her right eye.
Since reading about the 15 Healthcare Essentials campaign, Kirsty has used the checklist not only to discuss her care with her diabetes team, but to educate herself. Before the campaign, she was unaware that she was entitled to emotional and psychological support. Now, she has better control of her diabetes than ever and is confident and satisfied with the care that she receives.
After 20 years living with diabetes, I thought I had it all figured out. But the15 Healthcare Essentials have not only helped me to realise aspects of my diabetes care needed improving, both by myself and my healthcare team, but enabled me to ask for help that I was unaware existed.After 20 years living with diabetes, I thought I had it all figured out. But the15 Healthcare Essentials have not only helped me to realise aspects of my diabetes care needed improving, both by myself and my healthcare team, but enabled me to ask for help that I was unaware existed.
Jeff's story
Like many others, Jeff understands the importance of regular diabetes checks and the difference that a change in medication can make – and the worry when things are missed. Following a thorough check up in October 2011, Jeff left his doctor’s surgery feeling impressed and happy with the care he received for his Type 2 diabetes.
However after reading about the 15 Healthcare Essentials, he became concerned when he was not called for an annual review a year later. After four months of waiting, he raised the issue with his GP and was immediately given an appointment with the practice nurse. He received a full healthcare check, a change in his medication and now has an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of his medication levels.
If I hadn’t read about the 15 Healthcare Essentials, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to speak to my doctor about the annual checks I’m entitled to and should expect to receive. I can only hope others will take heart from my experience.If I hadn’t read about the 15 Healthcare Essentials, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to speak to my doctor about the annual checks I’m entitled to and should expect to receive. I can only hope others will take heart from my experience.
