Diabetes and atrial fibrillation
Q We are finding an increasing number of people with type 2 diabetes who attend our clinic for education also have atrial fibrillation and are taking warfarin on a long-term basis. Can anyone tell me if there is a specific link between diabetes and atrial fibrillation, or any other cardiac arrhythmia, that occurs independently of cardiovascular disease?
Name and address witheld
A There is no evidence to support a direct link between diabetes and atrial fibrillation. There is an indirect link in that diabetes causes ischaemic heart disease, and ischaemic heart disease is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation.
Anne Scott, Diabetes Research Nurse, Ipswich
Literature pack for people with diabetes
Q We are in the process of standardising our literature for people with diabetes within the PCT. We are exploring the idea of having all of the information combined into an A5 booklet, which would fit into our newly developed patient-held record. Has anyone already designed one that we could have a look at?
Shantell Naidu, Lead Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Haringey tPCT, London
A In Hertfordshire we have developed a very user friendly pack as a result of a multidisciplinary initiative across primary and secondary care and including patient input. It is A5 and loose-ring bound to allow for amendments, please contact me for further information.
Liz Gregory, Diabetes Nurse Consultant, Potters Bar Community Hospital EN6 2RY
A We bought the Newham PCT diabetes handbook which incorporates the patient-held record. It was written by patients and health promotion deparments and marketed by a company called Hunter Lodge Ltd, Rickmansworth (Phone: 01923 714949). It is A5 and can be customised with the PCT logo and local information.
Jill Hill, Diabetes Nurse Consultant, Birmingham
Helpful notepads
Q I like to write out instructions for patients if I change treatments – however, most blood glucose diaries only have room for insulin adjustments so I usually write it on a post-it note and stick in their diary (not many have their care-plans to hand). Does anyone have a tear-off notepad that is designed for instructions for patients that they use, for example, to write times and dosages of OHAs clearly? If so, please advise where it may be obtained.
Name and address witheld
Residential homes
Q Does anybody have any guidance on how PCTs address the issue of home blood-glucose monitoring in residential homes by unqualified staff? Who should monitor this and where do the lines of accountability lie?
Name and address witheld
Su Down looks back on a year of change and achievement.
17 Dec 2024