Please be aware that diabetes appointments at the Great Western Hospital and community diabetes service will, wherever appropriate, be completed by telephone.
We are aware that managing diabetes during periods of illness can be difficult and challenging.
There are many things you can do to reduce the risk of becoming unwell with Covid-19, as recommended by the government:
- Avoid contact with anyone with symptoms (high temperature, continuous cough)
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport
- Work from home where possible
- Avoid large gatherings such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, etc
- Avoid family gatherings
- Use online services to contact your health care professional
If you do become unwell, there are additional things you may need to consider if you have diabetes:
- If you are normally required to monitor your blood glucose or blood ketone levels, you will need to increase the frequency of this whilst you are unwell.
- Your requirements for your diabetes medication, including insulin, may increase while you are unwell and you should discuss a plan with your diabetes team if you are unsure of how to manage this.
We appreciate the current situation may create anxiety and worry, and that you may have questions relating to your diabetes management and the impact that becoming unwell may have.
Please contact your current diabetes care team if you require support.
If you receive care from the diabetes team at the hospital and need support, please contact them using the details below:
Great Western Hospital diabetes team
Telephone: 01793 604054
Email: gwh.swindondiabetesnurseteam@nhs.net
Great Western Hospital community diabetes team
Telephone: 01793 696621
Email: swiccg.communitydiabetesservice@nhs.net
If you need urgent advice, or it’s out of normal working hours (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm), please use the NHS 111 service online (111.nhs.uk) or phone 111.
If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
For further advice regarding diabetes and Covid-19 please see the following links:
