New Diagnosis Type 1 Diabetes
Date issued: November 2024
For review: November 2026
Ref: A-630/CO/Diabetes/New Diagnosis Type 1 Diabetes v2
PDF: New Diagnosis Type 1 Diabetes.pdf [pdf] 175KB
You have been diagnosed with diabetes and this was probably not what you were expecting. You are likely to have had a mountain of information given to you about the physical aspects of diabetes, how to test your blood glucose and what medication to take. This may feel overwhelming.
In addition, once the initial shock has worn off, you may feel angry, upset, and worried amongst other emotions. It is important to know whatever you are feeling is completely normal, you are not alone, and we are here to support you with this.
Your diabetes team consists of diabetes nurses, support assistants, doctors, dietitians, clinical psychologists, pharmacists, podiatrists and your GP.
What follow up to expect
First 24 to 48 hours. In the first 24 to 48 hours following discharge from hospital, you will receive a phone call from one of the diabetes specialist nurses. We will discuss your blood glucose readings and may advise on insulin dose changes. We may follow this up with further phone calls.
First 2 weeks. You will be referred to New Type 1 clinic where you will be seen by a nurse, you may also be seen by the dietitian and then further follow up will be planned. This may be over the phone or face to face.
You may also be followed up in a consultant clinic.
How to contact us:
Diabetes helpline. We check this mailbox daily including weekends and will aim to get back to you within 24 to 48 hours. Tel: 01752 430113 or email: plh-tr.patientdiabeteshelpline@nhs.net
If you think it would be helpful to have a 20-minute telephone call with our clinical psychologist to discuss any concerns or worries about your recent diagnosis, email psychology via plh-tr.patientdiabeteshelpline@nhs.net or call psychology admin Tel: 01752 439290.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical Psychologists offer a space for people to talk about their thoughts and feelings. We support people who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and those who are experiencing psychological difficulties.
How could speaking with a psychologist help me?
Your psychology appointment is a safe space to help you explore your recent diagnosis. You will have time to think about the diagnosis, your treatment, your expectations, and your emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.
Where else can I go for help?
Structured education
You will be offered the opportunity to attend structured education where you will meet other people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. This may be called Insulin and Carbohydrate Education (ICE) or Plymouth Adjustment System Through Insulin and Eating (PASTIE)
Diabetes UK
Read Coping with a diabetes diagnosis
In addition, Diabetes UK have trained counsellors available on their confidential helpline 0345 123 2399, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, or email helpline@diabetes.or.uk
Podcasts
Listen to Diabetes Discussions - A Diabetes UK Podcast
You can also follow diabetes UK on Facebook, X (formally known as Twitter) and Instagram.
Talking therapies
There are also local services offering talking therapies.
These services offer therapeutic input to people with long-term conditions such as diabetes including adjustment to diagnosis, needle phobia and diabetes distress, in addition to generalised anxiety and depression. You can self-refer to these services by phone or online.
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Plymouth Options provided by Livewell Southwest, 01752 435 502, visit Plymouth Options: NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression
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Talkworks (covering the Devon region, excluding Plymouth) 0300 555 3344. Mental Health Support for Devon. Visit Talkworks: Devon's NHS Talking therapies service
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Outlook Southwest (for those living in Cornwall) 01208 871 905. Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
