People with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, should be offered the chance to have a care plan put together to meet their individual needs.
A care plan can help you to take charge of the care you are receiving and ensures both you and your doctor are working towards the same goals.
What is a diabetes care plan?
The NHS describes a care plan as an agreement between you and the healthcare professional who oversees your diabetes to help you manage your diabetes
Putting your diabetic care plan together
When putting together a care plan you’ll be asked about the goals you hope or expect to achieve.
The goals could include keeping your HbA1c below a certain value , to fit half an hour’s activity into each day or could be to quite smoking.
To help you achieve your goals, you may need help from the NHS such as to receive certain support services.
Measures such as these will be documented as part of your care plan.
What will a care plan typically contain?
- Goals or targets to aim towards
- Support services you may require
- The medication you are taking
- A diet plan
- An exercise plan
- Emergency contact numbers –such as your GP out of hours service or a next of kin contact number in case they need to be contacted in an emergency
How do I arrange to have a care plan developed?
If you wish to have a care plan developed, speak to your GP or the specialist responsible for your diabetes care.
