Clinic for 'at risk' diabetics in Castle Practice
27/03/2006

Jackie, a patient from Castle Practice in Carrickfergus has her blood pressure taken and receives health promotion advice from Dr Stephen Johnston at the Impaired Glucose Tolerance clinic. Richard Carroll from East Antrim Local Health and Social Care Group, who funds the clinic, looks on.

Patients from the Castle Practice in Carrickfergus, who are at a risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, are able to attend a special clinic that deals with the many aspects of care involved in monitoring and managing the condition.

The clinic, which has been funded by East Antrim Local Health and Social Care Group, a committee of the Northern Health and Social Services Board, takes place on a monthly basis in the practice.

Patients who visit the clinic can have their blood tested for Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) which can progress to Type 2 Diabetes. They also will receive health promotion advice on diet and exercise as weight loss and increased physical activity can significantly improve the onset of diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Type 2 Diabetes usually occurs in people over 40 who cannot make enough insulin (which helps glucose enter the cells) or insulin doesn’t work properly.

Dr Stephen Johnston, GP in the Castle Practice, explained the need for the clinic in the Carrickfergus area:

“In the Castle Practice, 76 people have been identified with impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting gycaemia and this number is slowly rising. People with impaired glucose tolerance need to be educated early to prevent progression to diabetes

Evidence suggests that between 5 to 10% of patients with IGT will progress to Type 2 Diabetes. This could be monitored through a yearly screening process to prevent this progression.”

Lindsay Gracey, Chair of the East Antrim LHSCG explained how the clinic would benefit patients from the Castle Practice:

“Before, patients from the practice with Type 2 Diabetes were having this managed jointly between the GP practice and hospitals.
This clinic provides the patients with the multi-disciplinary care and health promotion advice they require to manage IGT without having to make a trip to the hospital”

The East Antrim Local Health and Social Care Group works in partnership with locally based health and social care professionals to improve the range and quality of primary care services available to local people. If you would like further information on the East Antrim LHSCG contact Siobhan Millar on 9055 2242.