Children's diabetes patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your child's diabetes appointment.

Before your appointment

You should attend all appointments with your child if they are under the age of 16. Carers and friends are also welcome to attend. You are welcome to ask for a chaperone for your child’s appointment and we will endeavour to provide one for you.

Please work with your child to keep a food diary with accurate weights and measurements of their foods, Bg levels and insulin given for four to five days prior to the appointment. If your child is on an insulin pump, we ask that they do a carb-free fast to check basal patterns and that they download their pump at least 24 hours before the appointment.

Please remember to bring your child’s blood glucose meters, food diary, insulin pen and hypo treatment to their standard appointments.

During your appointment

Appointments usually take between 30 minutes and one hour depending on the reason for the appointment. The length of time will be discussed with you prior to your child’s appointment.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you or your child do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

Appointments typically include a review of your child’s diabetes management, answering any queries, administering blood tests, checking your child’s height and weight, education as needed and requested, and a review of your child’s continuous glucose monitor (CGM) applications. Your appointment may also include annual reviews and psychology input if requested.

Your child will be required to have a blood test once every three months. This can usually be done by a finger prick. Once a year, a full set of screening bloods will be done and on occasion more frequently if there is a medical need. Your child will also have a continuous glucose monitor fitted once or twice a year to help them in understanding their diabetes management and control.

After your appointment

Your child will be assigned a key worker who will follow up and keep you and your child updated as requested and based on your child’s condition and needs. Your child will be seen every three months by their key worker and more frequently if requested or needed for support. The key worker will also refer to psychology and the team’s specialist dietitian for support if requested. The key worker also provides education and support to schools and other community services as needed by your child and your family.

If your child is already a patient with our service, please call their key worker with any concerns or problems or call 020 3312 6482.