Service
Diabetes diagnosis and assessment
Arrange an assessment of a possible diagnosis or a review of an existing one with the practice, and discuss the next step in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
Discussing an assessment
Assessment is where most diabetes care begins. Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not regulate blood glucose (sugar) as it should — either because it does not make enough insulin, or because insulin does not work as effectively as it should, or both. Over time, raised glucose can affect how a person feels day to day and influence longer-term health.
An assessment is the conversation and review through which a clinician considers whether diabetes may be present, confirms a diagnosis, and forms a picture of your overall health in relation to it. The practice can talk through what an assessment involves and how to arrange one.
Diabetes is generally described in terms of its main types — type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), alongside other forms. Each has a different relationship with insulin, and assessment helps clarify which applies to your situation.
Questions about a possible or existing diagnosis
The practice discusses both first assessments and the review of a diagnosis you already have.
A possible new diagnosis
If you are concerned that you or someone you care for may have diabetes, the practice can talk through how an assessment is arranged and what to expect from the process.
Common reasons people seek an assessment include symptoms such as unusual thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness or weight change, as well as a family history of diabetes or a reading that suggested raised glucose. A clinician considers the full picture rather than any single symptom.
Reviewing an existing diagnosis
If you already have a diabetes diagnosis, the practice can review it with you and discuss ongoing assessment as part of your care.
A review may be useful if your circumstances have changed, if you would like a second opinion, or if you are transferring ongoing care to the practice. Bring any questions about your current diagnosis to the conversation.
Information that informs a clinical discussion
What a clinician may consider during an assessment, in general terms.
A diabetes assessment typically draws on several kinds of information. A clinician may consider your symptoms and history, any existing blood glucose readings, and measurements such as HbA1c — a reading that reflects average glucose over recent weeks. How these are used, and which apply to you, is a clinical decision discussed with the practice.
Assessment is also about more than numbers. A clinician considers how diabetes fits with your overall health, other conditions, family history and daily life, so that any ongoing care reflects your situation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Information to confirm before a visit
A few practical points help the practice prepare for your enquiry.
What to share when you call
A brief description of why you are enquiring helps the practice direct your call. You are not expected to provide a clinical history over the phone.
Arranging the visit
Confirm the arrangements that apply to you, including how and when to attend the Brooklyn practice, before travelling.
What if I already have results?
If you have recent readings or a letter from another clinician, mention them when you call so the practice can advise whether to bring them.
Is an assessment a diagnosis?
An assessment is the process of considering whether diabetes is present or how an existing diagnosis is progressing. What it leads to is confirmed with the practice.
Assessment enquiries
Call the practice to discuss an assessment, or use the contact page for a general enquiry.