Diabetes and Diabetic Services at Foundry

Support at every stage — from prevention to living well with diabetes

Whether you're looking to lower your risk, have just been diagnosed, or have lived with diabetes for years, we're here to support you.

This page explains what to expect, what checks you’ll be invited to, and the services that can help you stay healthy. You don’t have to manage it alone — we’ll work with you every step of the way.

What is Pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diabetes. It's a warning sign. You can still make changes to prevent diabetes.

For further information visit Diabetes UK

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where your body has trouble managing sugar levels in your blood.

There are two main types:

Type 1 Diabetes: Your body doesn’t make insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes: Your body doesn’t use insulin well.

Both types mean sugar can't get into your cells right, so it builds up in your blood. Too much sugar in your blood can cause a lot of different problems.

What to do if you have Symptoms?

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Going to the bathroom a lot. especially at night
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Genital itching or thrush
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal
• Blurred vision

If you have these symptoms, contact Foundry by submitting a Request, via Anima

Your Journey with Us: Managing Diabetes Together

At Foundry we support you at every stage of your diabetes care. From prevention to ongoing management. Here's how your journey with us looks:

  • 1. Preventing Diabetes: Know Your Risks

    It's important to know if you're at risk for developing diabetes. Use the Know Your Risk tool to assess your risk and take action early to protect your health.

  • 2. New Diagnosis

    If you're newly diagnosed, we are here to guide you. Our team will help you understand your diagnosis and provide the support you need to manage it from day one.

  • 3. Your Diabetes Annual Check

    You'll receive an invitation from us for a check at least once a year (or more frequently if needed). Your first appointment will be with one of our Healthcare Assistants.

    Appointment with a Healthcare Assistant (20 mins)

    This appointment focuses on gathering information, such as:

    • Weight (BMI), blood pressure, and pulse rate

    • Blood and Urine samples to be collected ahead of your Annual Review

    • Foot check to be performed

  • 4. Your Diabetes Annual Review

    1 to 2 weeks after your check, you will meet with a specialist clinician. This appointment will be booked during your Annual Check. At the Review they will look at the results of your Annual Check, discuss your health, and create a care plan tailored to you.

    Appointment with a Diabetes Practice Nurse (30 mins)

    • A practice nurse, supported by our GP, will go over your results from the HCA appointment.

    • Together, we’ll work on reducing risks and managing your diabetes. This may include a medication review, advice on diet management, and onward referrals.

  • 5. Your Personalised Care Plan

    We’ll help you create a care plan that supports your health at home. This may involve managing:

    • Blood sugar levels

    • Blood pressure

    • Cholesterol

    • Weight management

  • 6. Onward Referrals for Further Support

    Based on your needs, we may refer you to support services, such as:

    Type 2 Diabetes Education – Access to courses to help you manage your condition.
    Healthy Lifestyle Support Services – For diet, exercise, and weight management.
    Preconception Clinic – Support for those planning a pregnancy.
    Eye Screening – Regular eye checks to watch out for diabetic retinopathy.
    Diabetes Podiatry – Foot care specific to diabetes-related concerns.

Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to help you live well with diabetes.

Meet our team of Diabetic Specialists

Support Programmes for Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes

The following support programmes are for people with Pre-Diabetes or Diabetes.
Note: Some programmes require a referral from your healthcare provider.

For Type 1 & 2 Diabetes:

• Diabetes Care for You - Referral Only
The Diabetes Care for You program provides education to help you manage your condition and improve your health.
More Information: Visit Diabetes Care for You

• Diabetes UK - Learning Zone
Learning Zone will give you videos, quizzes, and interactive tools with tasty food swaps and tips for managing diabetes day-to-day.

For Pre-Diabetes:

• Healthier You – NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
If you have Pre-Diabetes, the Healthier You program helps you lower your risk of developing diabetes. It teaches you how to make healthier choices for your lifestyle.
Provider: Xyla Health & Wellbeing
Contact: If you have any questions or need help, call 0333 577 3010.
More Information: Visit Healthier You

For Type 2 Diabetes:

NHS Healthy Living Programme for people with Type 2 Diabetes.

Your Diabetic Eye Screening

Diabetes can cause problems with your eyes. It can harm the back of your eye (called the retina), and this can lead to sight loss if not treated.

Eye screening checks your eyes for early signs of damage. You may not notice any problems at first, so it’s important to go even if your eyes feel fine.

Who gets invited?

If you have diabetes and are 12 or older, you’ll be invited for an eye check every year (or every two years if your last test was normal).

Why is this important?

• It helps find problems early.
• Early treatment can stop your vision from getting worse.
• It’s quick, safe, and doesn’t hurt.

How do I book?

You’ll get a letter when it’s time for your next test.

If it’s been more than a year since your last eye check, and you haven’t had a letter, please ask your GP or contact the local screening team.

Local service:

Diabetic Eye Screening Programme East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Visit www.esht.nhs.uk and search for “eye screening” to find out more.

More info:

Diabetic Eye Screening – NHS
Eye Screening Leaflets – GOV.UK

Submit a request online via Anima or Call 01273 480888

to receive help and support from our Diabetic Team

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