Diabetes
Support in Edinburgh and Lothians
NHS Lothian Diabetes Buddy Service
The Buddy Service is a group of trained volunteers in Lothian who have personal experience of the life changes required to live with diabetes successfully. They all have diabetes or are looking after partners, parents or children with diabetes and come from different backgrounds. For more information contact 0131 537 3257 or visit NHS Lothian Diabetes website
NHS Lothian Diabetes Retinopathy Screening
All people with diabetes are at risk of developing eye problems. The risk can be reduced by keeping your diabetes well controlled and by having regular eye screenings. Eye tests by an optician are free for people with diabetes; you should have your sight checked once a year as well as having your eyes screened for Retinopathy. For more information contact 0131 536 4145 / 4146 or visit NHS Lothian Diabetes website
NHS Lothian Diabetes Podiatry Services
Self-referral Scheme
The podiatry service in Lothian runs a self-referral scheme. You do not have to visit your GP for a referral if you need to see a podiatrist (this does not include West Lothian). Go to the NHS Lothian Diabetes website to view/print the Podiatry service self-referral form
Hospital based Podiatry Clinics
A diabetes specialist podiatry service is run at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Go to the NHS Lothian Diabetes website for contacts and clinic days/times.
Footcare Advice
Information on footcare can be found on the My Diabetes My Way website. This website has a number of leaflets and resources on footcare.
NHS Lothian Diabetes Lothian Diabetes Representative Group
The Lothian Diabetes Representative Group (LDRG) was started in 2002 and has been active in establishing links between people living and coping with diabetes and the wide variety of NHS healthcare professionals with whom they come in contact. If you are interested in attending a meeting of the LDRG or would like to be informed of upcoming events for people with diabetes and their carers contact Bonnie Crichton 0131 537 3257
