• type 1 diabetes
  • type 2 diabetes
  • diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
  • diabetic complications e.g. kidney problems, foot ulcers and foot disease

Advice for Diabetics coronavirus
We can also help you with:

  • diabetes education
  • advice about your diet and medication
  • access to insulin pumps and other technology
  • additional support before or during pregnancy for diabetic mothers

Diabetes foot care

If you’ve been referred to our service, you’ll be invited for an appointment with one of our specialists. Depending on your circumstances, this could be with a consultant, a specialist nurse or a dietitian.

During the appointment we’ll ask you some questions about how you’re currently managing your diabetes and overall health. We’ll also look at:

  • your biochemistry
  • your weight and BMI
  • your diet history
  • any medications you’re taking and how you’re taking them
  • any complications you have that are associated with diabetes
  • your mental health
  • your current knowledge of diabetes

If you’ve had them, we’ll also look at your annual review and retinal screening results.


Based on our conversation we’ll discuss your options in detail and together we’ll come up with a plan for your care. This might include things like:

  • an adjustment to your dose or trying different medications
  • receiving advice and education on diabetes control
  • attending a session on injection technique
  • making changes to your diet or lifestyle
  • improving your awareness of carbohydrates and carb counting
  • receiving additional phone support
  • referring you to other services for extra support
  • a review to see how you’re getting on

Click this link for help and useful information about Diabetes

MDT clinic

North Cumbria Medical Centre, Workington Community Hospital

MDT stands for multidisciplinary team which means you’ll have access to a consultant, a specialist nurse and a dietitian all at the same time. If you need help to improve your diabetes control or need more support than your GP can give you, you’ll be referred to this clinic.  
 

MDT foot clinic

Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital

If you’ve been referred to us with foot problems, you’ll usually be given an appointment for this clinic. Our multidisciplinary team includes diabetes specialists, podiatrists, orthotists, vascular specialists.
 

Pregnancy clinic

Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital

Our pregnancy clinics are every Wednesday. For patients with gestational diabetes, these clinics will be arranged around your 28, 32 and 36 week scans. You’ll see one of our consultants, specialist dietitians and specialist nurses at every appointment. This is your opportunity to talk to us about any concerns you have and ask us questions. If you need additional support, we may be able to offer you phone appointments.
 

Young persons clinic

North Cumbria Medical Centre, West Cumberland Hospital, Workington Community Hospital, Penrith Community Hospital

If you’re aged 18 to 25 and have been diagnosed with diabetes you’ll be referred to our young persons clinic. Our friendly clinics offer both support and guidance to help you to manage your condition.
 

Insulin pump clinic

Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital

If you’ve been referred to the insulin pump clinic for the first time, the consultant or specialist nurse will talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of insulin pump therapy. Together we’ll discuss whether or not this is the right option for you, and you can us ask any questions you might have.

If you decide to go ahead with the pump, you’ll receive training on how to use and manage your pump and may also be able to use it for a trial period to see how you get on.

You’ll then be invited to an insulin pump clinic every 6 months to check that pump therapy is working for you.  

If you're experiencing a problem with your pump, you can call us on one of the numbers below.

Type 1 courses:

DAFNE

Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE), is a 5 day course to help you learn how to adjust your insulin. In a small group you’ll learn about:

  • insulin adjustment
  • carb counting
  • excersise
  • hypos
  • complications
  • what to do if you’re ill

This course can help you to:

  • feel more confident about managing your diabetes
  • get better control of your blood glucose levels
  • be more flexible with your food and drink

Speak to your GP, practice nurse or diabetes specialist if you’d like to attend.

 

Type 2 courses:

DESMOND

Diabetes education and self management for ongoing and newly diagnosed (DESMOND) is a 1 day course to help you learn more about and manage type 2 diabetes. In a small group you’ll learn about:

  • diabetes and glucose – what happens in the body
  • monitoring and medication
  • food choices
  • excersise
  • complications

This course can help you to:

  • reduce your weight
  • improve your physical activity
  • improve your understanding of diabetes and how to manage it

Speak to your GP, practice nurse or diabetes specialist if you’d like to attend.


DESMOND Toolkit

This is a 3 day course for people with Type 2 diabetes if you’re moving onto, or already using, injection therapy. In a small group you’ll learn about:

  • injection technique
  • adjusting your diet
  • carbohydrate awareness
  • weight management
  • excersise
  • what to do if you’re ill

This course can help you to manage your diabetes by adjusting your diet and the dosage of your medication.

Cumberland Infirmary

Diabetes Centre
Old Pillar Building
01228 814780
 

West Cumberland Hospital

Diabetes Centre
01946 523535