"I have Type 1 Diabetes and have ..."

What I liked

I have Type 1 Diabetes and have been attending the Diabetes Clinic for several things - a carb counting course, general review, eye tests etc for a couple of years.

I recently had a CGMS system fitted which checks glucose levels every 5 minutes for a few days at a time. The nurse who fitted this was very reassuring and did it all quickly and smoothly. She explained what I had to do with it when my time was up and I got the results sent to me very quickly.

My carb counting course has only started recently but they've been very proactive in keeping me informed about whats going on and what i'll need to do to prepare.

I recently had an appointment scheduled for an eye screening test. This was for a Friday, the day after my carb counting course on a Thursday. I explained to the receptionist that it wasn't convenient to take two days off in a row to come to the same centre, she very helpfully cancelled the Friday appt and arranged it so I could go in immediately after my course and have it done. It's a shame this isn't done automatically but I imagine the systems aren't as integrated as they'd need to be do to this.

What could be improved

The waiting room has comfortable seats but they're all crammed up pretty close and all facing a giant TV which has incredibly dull daytime TV on display. I'm sure some people prefer it but personally, I'd like a nice slection of magazines to flick through! Or at least some health videos, like the ones available here on NHS Choices.