Diabetes is increasing and now affects up to 4% of our local population. The Local Diabetes Network (LDN) was formed to bring together patients and those working in the health service, to plan the best way forward for diabetes care.

The LDN meets every 3 months and allows patients and health care professionals to look at ways of improving all aspects of the local diabetes service, monitor how the service is delivered and can be a driving force for change to diabetes services within our local area.

Members already belonging to the group include:

So, for example, members of the diabetes team (doctors, nurses, dietitians, podiatrists both hospital and community) could be sitting down with the GP or Practice Nurse from your local surgery, along with people who have diabetes, to discuss the way forward.

Many others come as visitors, or to give presentations on relevant issues. Two recent topics covered were diabetes patient education and how a diabetes service is delivered in Fleetwood in England.

It is the person living with diabetes who knows the limitations and problems that can occur when managing and living with this condition. Therefore, we need the views and opinions of people who have diabetes. To listen to patient views and recommendations is a very valued part of the meeting.

If you would like to become involved, or would simply like to know a bit more about the work of the Local Diabetes Network, contact Phyl Reynolds.