Diabetes Care

Diabetes care provides practical support with the daily routines associated with living with diabetes. This may include preparing meals, agreed medication support, attending appointments and helping with blood glucose monitoring where appropriate.

The support is based on an individual assessment and the guidance of the person’s healthcare team. Its purpose is to help the individual remain stable, safe and independent.

Diabetes care may benefit someone who finds it difficult to manage their established routine independently. They may need support because of reduced mobility, memory difficulties, sight loss or another health condition.

It can also help when diabetes management is placing increasing pressure on a spouse or relative. The level of support is determined through an assessment of the person’s needs, abilities and prescribed routine.

A carer may provide agreed medication support when it has been assessed and recorded in the care plan. The support provided depends on the medication involved, the person’s needs and the carer’s training and responsibilities.

Carers cannot prescribe medication or independently alter a dose. Any questions about medication, insulin or treatment must be referred to the person’s GP, pharmacist or specialist diabetes team.

A carer may support blood glucose monitoring when this has been properly assessed, included in the care plan and is within their training and responsibilities. They can follow documented instructions, record readings and report concerns through the agreed process.

Decisions about testing frequency, target ranges and treatment remain with the person’s qualified healthcare professionals.

Yes. A carer can prepare regular meals, snacks and drinks following the person’s preferences and any dietary guidance provided by their healthcare team.

There is no single food plan that suits everyone living with diabetes, so support should reflect the individual’s needs rather than follow assumptions about a “diabetic diet”.

A carer may also help with shopping and keeping suitable food available at home.

Insulin support depends on the person’s assessed needs, the agreed care arrangement, the carer’s training and the organisation’s medication procedures. It must only be provided when the correct professional instructions, risk assessments and care plans are in place.

A carer cannot independently decide how much insulin someone requires or change a prescribed dose. These decisions remain with the person and their diabetes healthcare team.

The carer will follow the person’s care plan and the agreed reporting or emergency procedure. Relevant observations may be recorded and shared with the appropriate family member or healthcare professional. Carers do not diagnose changes or alter treatment themselves.

Urgent concerns must be handled through the appropriate NHS service, while immediate medical emergencies require a call to 999.

Yes. Diabetes care can provide help with the parts of a routine that someone finds difficult while encouraging them to remain involved in everything they can manage safely. A carer may prepare a meal, organise items needed for the day or provide agreed reminders.

The person should continue making their own choices and managing suitable aspects of their routine wherever possible.

Yes. The care plan should be reviewed following changes to medication, mobility, memory, appetite or professional guidance.

A hospital admission or change in the person’s wider health may also make a review necessary. The carer follows the current agreed plan, while decisions about diabetes treatment remain with the GP or specialist team.

Clear communication helps ensure that daily support remains appropriate.

The first step is to speak with our team about how diabetes affects the person’s daily life. We will discuss their routines, prescribed treatment, meals, mobility and existing professional guidance.

This information helps us complete a care assessment, create an individual care plan and identify a suitable carer. Support can then begin on the agreed date and be reviewed as needs change.