Patient information

Find out what to expect from your appointment with our non-classical diabetes service, which cares for people with suspected genetic and atypical forms of diabetes.

Before your appointment

Appointments are made usually within 12 weeks of receipt of your referral, though sometimes this can take up to 18 weeks.

You are welcome to bring a relative or close friend with you to your appointment. There is usually space for one extra person and we can accommodate more, if needed.

Please bring details of diagnoses of diabetes or other medical conditions which run in your family with you to the appointment. It is particularly helpful if you have a copy of the result of any genetic testing which has been done in any members of your family. Please also bring your glucose monitor or record of recent blood sugar levels.

During your appointment

You are welcome to ask for a chaperone – if you do, we will endeavour to provide one for you.

You can expect your first appointment to last 30 to 45 minutes. Please allow a further 30 minutes to have blood tests performed. We may perform genetic tests if relevant to your condition.

You will be seen by a member of the specialist team. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the consultant and specialist diabetes genetic nurse.

During your consultation, we may ask to examine your arms and legs, so please wear comfortable clothing.

Please note that our hospitals are teaching hospitals, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you 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.