ACCORDING to National Guidelines, people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are supposed to have nine key checks annually to protect their health and help to prevent long-term diabetic complications. The nine key checks include eye screening.

National Audits of the services people receive have shown that only a proportion of people actually have all nine checks and this number varies according to where people live and where they receive their care and treatment.

The Covid situation has made this situation more difficult because many routine checks and face to face appointments have not been available.

In addition, many people do not know they are supposed to receive these nine checks, what they are, what they are for and how they are carried out.

The InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) has published a FREE booklet which explains what the nine key tests are and why people with diabetes need them.

It helps people to look after their diabetes and their future health by ensuring that they know what health checks they need and that they are carried out by the health professionals looking after their diabetes.

The booklet is entitled, “Diabetes Care – Your 9 key checks” and we are happy to send this FREE booklet to your readers if they contact IDDT on 01604 622837, email: [email protected] or write to IDDT, PO Box 294, Northampton NN1 4XS.

Jenny Hirst

IDDT