About Diabetes Consults
We support people living with Type 2 diabetes holistically by carrying out screening, diagnosis, treatment, long term management of diabetes and complications arising from the disease.
In addition, we also offer hypertension management (including diagnosis, and long-term treatment), weight management, vitamin deficiencies (B12), travel vaccinations, and a range of other health services.
We offer private pharmacy services which means we do not dispense NHS prescriptions. We provide a range of over-the-counter medications. our team is comprised of Consultant Endocrinologists, General Practitioners, Diabetes Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists, Registered Nurses, Phlebotomists, Dispensers, and administrative staff.
Our Inspiration
Diabetes Consults was founded by Boma Tonye Oburoh who is a registered UK Independent Prescriber Clinical Pharmacist with a special interest in diabetes and hypertension management following the loss of her mum who sadly passed away from the mismanagement of Diabetes. This has formed our drive to support others living with Type 2 Diabetes with the aim of preventing and reducing complications arising from the disease.
Tonye graduated from the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom and is a member of the General Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (GPhC), Diabetes UK, UKCPA (Clinical Pharmacy association UK), Primary Care Diabetes Society (PCDS) to name a few.
Tonye currently works with other healthcare professionals such as Endocrinologist, Diabetologist, Nephrologist, Clinical Pharmacists, Podiatrist, Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSN’s), Nurses, Cardiologists, General Practitioners (GP’s), and General Practitioners with Special interest in Diabetes, to collaboratively improve the delivery of efficient and impactful diabetes care and other health services to local communities in the United Kingdom.
Diabetes Consults created a digital platform to provide access to specialist diabetes clinicians, who offer a global and holistic approach to the review and management of diabetes at the convenience of the person living with diabetes.
Our goal is to bring down geographical and physical barriers that impede access to specialist diabetes care.
Our Vision & Mission
Diabetes Consults aim to improve the quality of lives of people living with diabetes, by reducing the human and economic burden of the disease.
We see a world where people living with diabetes have access to a range of diabetes specialists regardless of where they live.
Our mission is to:
- Educate people and improve their diabetes treatment
- Reduce the complications that arise from the mismanagement of diabetes
- Address people living with diabetes from the point of screening and through the treatment pathway.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Professionalism
Authenticity
Integrity
Respect
Service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HbA1c?
It is known as glycated haemoglobin test. It is an average blood sugar and is used to indicate an individual’s blood sugar over a 2 or 3 month period. The levels can be used to determine if an individual has pre-diabetes, diabetes or if their medication(s) are in need of adjustments.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
Sometimes you may have symptoms that can lead a suspicion of diabetes, however a diagnosis is made when you have had 2 blood tests with hba1c levels above 48mmol/mol.
What are carbohydrates?
They are a part of 3 major nutrients found within our foods. There are 3 main types sugars, starch and fibre.
Should I give up carbohydrates as a person living with diabetes?
We all need foods containing carbohydrates in our diet. The quantity eaten is dependent on your activity levels, age and weight targets.
What are the examples of carbohydrates?
Rice, Pasta, Yams, Potatoes, bread to name a few. It is important to note that there are hidden within foods and in some cases fruits.
What is glycaemic index (GI)?
It’s a reflection of how quickly the food eaten can affect the blood sugar.
What are high GI foods?
These are foods that break down quickly in the body and lead to a sharp increase in the body’s blood glucose level. Examples of foods with high GI’s are white bread, potatoes, white rice, sugar etc.
What are low GI foods?
These are foods that break down slowly and which cause the gradual rise in blood sugar over time. Examples include wholegrain foods, vegetables, beans and lentils etc.
Can I eat fruits if I live with diabetes?
Fruits contain natural sugars called fructose. Some fruits have more fructose and can lead to a raised blood sugar. Some fruits are also high in fibre which is great in slowing digestion and aids in preventing sugar spikes.
How do I know which fruits to eat?
As fruits are considered to have carbohydrates, it is important to pay attention to the calories you consume and maintain a balanced diet. One serving of fruit contains about 15g of carbohydrate but this is dependent on the type of fruit consumed. An example of 15g carbohydrate in fruits are 11/4 cup of strawberries, ½ a medium banana etc.
Can I have diabetes and fast?
Yes. However, prior to starting your fast, we encourage you to speak to your diabetes team especially if you are on insulin or on some diabetes medications which may reduce your blood sugars. We also advice that you check your blood sugars regularly as your blood glucose may drop too low.
Can diabetes be linked with thyroids?
Diabetes and thyroids are both problems linked to the endocrine system. When an individual has a combination of thyroid disease and diabetes, it can have an impact in the control of their blood glucose. If you are concerned about thyroid disease and diabetes, speak to your healthcare team.
What is cholesterol?
It can be described as a fatlike waxy substance which is found within the cells of your body. It helps your body to digest fat. There are 2 main types of cholesterol which is vital for people with diabetes. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL).
What are low-density lipoproteins?
It is referred to as the bad cholesterol. A build or rise in the bad cholesterol can increase plaque in the blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The lower your bad cholesterol, the better
What are high-density lipoproteins?
It is referred to as the good cholesterol. They help to protect against heart disease by eliminating the bad cholesterol from your blood stream through the liver. The higher the HDL the better the protection your heart has.
What temperature should I store my insulin?
For the contents of insulin to be effective and safe, it is advised that insulin should be stored between 2-8oC (36-46oF). Once opened, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
What is hypoglycaemia?
This is when the blood sugar level is low. It is more prominent with people with diabetes, escially those who use insulin or use certain medications like gliclazide etc.
What are the symptoms of Hypoglycaemia?
Some of the symptoms include sweating, dizzy, tingling lips, feeling shaky, fast or pounding heartbeat, easily irritated, feeling hungry etc.
Your Medical history stored
under one umbrella
Your notes will be safely stored under your patient record in one place.
- You can upload your information and test results to share with the team
- You don’t have to panic about remembering everything discussed during your consultation. Feel free to share this information with family members, employers or other clinicians.
- Your notes will be safely stored under your patient record which is accessible to you 24 hours of the day.
- Your past records will also be accumulated and accessible on this platform for your information