What are the 8 Care Processes?
If you are living with diabetes, regular health checks help your healthcare team understand how you are doing and spot changes early, sometimes before you notice any symptoms. The 8 Care Processes are eight important checks usually offered as part of your diabetes annual review. They help you and your healthcare team make a plan for your ongoing care.
Why are these checks important?
Diabetes may affect your heart, kidneys, nerves and feet. These checks help identify possible problems early, review your treatment and reduce your risk of complications. They also give you a chance to ask questions and discuss any support you may need. Depending on your individual care plan, some checks may be needed more often.
The 8 checks explained
The symbols below help you recognise each check. Your healthcare team can explain what your results mean for you.
🩸 1. HbA1c blood test
Measures your average blood glucose (sugar) level over the previous two to three months. Why it matters: It helps to review how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
❤️ 2. Blood pressure
Measures the pressure of blood moving through your blood vessels. Why it matters: It helps identify and manage risks to your heart, brain and kidneys.
🧪 3. Cholesterol blood test
Checks the levels of fats, including cholesterol, in your blood. Why it matters: It helps to assess and manage your risk of heart attack and stroke.
🧬 4. Kidney function blood test
Checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, including a creatinine test. Why it matters: It can help detect changes in kidney function early.
🧫 5. Urine kidney check (ACR)
Checks a urine sample for small amounts of a protein called albumin. Why it matters: It can show early signs of kidney damage, even when you feel well.
🦶 6. Foot check
Checks your feet, including the skin, feeling and blood circulation. Why it matters: It can pick up changes that may increase the risk of sores or other foot problems.
⚖️ 7. Height and weight (BMI)
Uses your height and weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Why it matters: It helps to discuss overall health and provide any support that may be useful.
🚭 8. Smoking status
Your healthcare professional will ask whether you smoke. Why it matters: Helps to offer support to stop and lower your health risks.
👁️ What about diabetic eye screening?
Diabetic eye screening is a separate, ninth important diabetes check. It looks for early changes at the back of the eyes and is arranged through the NHS diabetic eye screening programme. Please attend when invited, even if your eyesight seems fine. Your screening interval may be yearly or every two years, depending on your results and individual circumstances.
Why is Central Basildon Primary Care Network doing this?
Central Basildon PCN is working with its member GP practices to help more people living with diabetes receive their important health checks. Through Project FFACE, we have introduced dedicated diabetes clinics that aim to bring several checks together in one convenient visit, where possible.
Our teams work together to identify outstanding checks, offer appointments and help patients complete their annual review. We want to make diabetes care easier to access, reduce the need for separate appointments where possible, and give patients the information and support they need to look after their health. Some tests, results or follow-up appointments may still need to take place separately.
What should I do next?
If you receive an invitation for a diabetes review or an outstanding check, please follow the booking instructions in your invitation. If you are unsure whether your checks are up to date, contact your registered GP practice.
Bring any requested samples or information, and tell the team if you need reasonable adjustments, an interpreter or help accessing your appointment.
Your health matters. A routine check today can help protect your health for the future.
For further information, visit Diabetes UK: care to expect.
