Diabetes: type 1
What we do
We offer outpatient clinics for adults who have, or may have, type 1 diabetes.
We are part of the Diabetes service at King’s.
General type 1 diabetes clinic
This clinic is for adults with type 1 diabetes with who can recognise when they have low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
We also see people who don’t yet have a confirmed diagnosis, but type 1 diabetes is suspected.
Some of the people we see use:
- insulin injections or pumps
- glucose monitoring sensors (CGMS)
- hybrid closed loop systems
We work as a multidisciplinary team of diabetes doctors, diabetes specialist nurses, and diabetes dietitians. You may have an appointment with one or more of our team members.
Hypoglycaemia/intensive type 1 diabetes clinic
This clinic is for people living with type 1 diabetes who need more intensive support because they:
- have severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- or they are not able to spot the signs of hypoglycaemia. This is known as hypo unawareness
We will assess the problems that you have been having with hypoglycaemia. We then work with you to help you spot the signs or to reduce your risk of severe hypoglycaemia.
Methods we may use include:
- diabetes education
- behaviour change techniques
- technology
- islet cell therapy
We will identify your specific needs and give you a structured care plan for managing hypoglycaemia.
Most people attend this specialised clinic for 12 to 24 months. Your diabetes care is then transferred back to the diabetes clinic that referred you to us. This may be our General type 1 diabetes clinic or your local hospital.
Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU)
Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) is for people who do not need frequent scheduled appointments. Instead, you contact us to arrange an appointment when you actually need one.
You could be suitable for PIFU if you:
- have stable and uncomplicated type 1 diabetes
- and you do not anticipate any changes in your diabetes management in the next 1 to 2 years
For more information, read our leaflet: Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) for diabetes patients. Please contact us if you would like to know more about whether you are suitable for PIFU.
Our Self-management resources include information to help you manage your diabetes day to day.
Support group for type 1 diabetes patients
A support group is available for all people living with type 1 diabetes who attend our clinics.
The group gives people who have type 1 diabetes the opportunity to connect with others living with the condition. It was set up by a group of people living with type 1 diabetes, with support from the King’s diabetes team.
To join, or for more information:
- go to the T1D Peer Support Group at KCH Facebook page
- or email: king[email protected]
Location
Ground Floor, Venetian Building, King’s College Hospital, Caldecot Road, SE5 9RS
Contact Details
Diabetes outpatient appointments: 020 3299 1919
Outpatient clinic reception: 020 3299 7419 and 020 3299 7420
We run a general clinic and a specialised clinic for people living with type 1 diabetes.
General type 1 diabetes clinic
We see people who have type 1 diabetes with intact hypoglycaemic awareness.
Patients where the diagnosis is uncertain may be referred to this clinic for assessment.
Exclusion criteria:
- People with type 2 diabetes (refer to the local community diabetes team)
- People with diabetes in pregnancy
- Children under 18 (refer to Paediatric Diabetes)
- People with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (aware of symptoms less than 50% of the time or average symptom threshold is less than 3mmol/L) or severe hypoglycaemia. Refer to our urgent Hypoglycaemia/intensive Type 1 diabetes clinic:
Hypoglycaemia/intensive type 1 diabetes clinic
We see people who have:
- had one episode of severe hypoglycaemia that required third party assistance in the past 12 months
- or impaired hypoglycaemic awareness (aware of symptoms less than 50% of the time or average symptom threshold is less than 3 mmol/L)
Exclusion criteria:
- People with type 2 diabetes (refer to the local community diabetes team)
- People with diabetes in pregnancy
- Children under 18 (refer to Paediatric Diabetes)
- People with type 1 diabetes and intact hypoglycaemic awareness, including those on diabetes technology (refer to our General type 1 diabetes clinic)
How to refer
GPs (primary care)
Refer using NHS e-referral (e-RS).
Secondary care
Before referring a patient to these clinics, please start them on real-time continuous glucose monitoring, in line with national guidance. We do not accept referrals as a route to access diabetes technology.
To refer, email: [email protected]
Referral queries
Diabetes Outpatient Department, tel: 020 3299 8570
Key Clinical Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Anita Beckwith | Diabetes Dietician |
| Malcolm Bennison | Diabetes Specialist Nurse |
| Comfort Bright-Davies | Diabetes Specialist Nurse |
| Dr Yee Cheah | Consultant Diabetes Physician, Type 1 service lead |
| Geraldine Gallen | Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Type 1 service lead |
| Dr Carol Gayle | Consultant Diabetes Physician |
| Dr Sophie Harris | Consultant Diabetes Physician and Clinical Lead |
| Dr Vasiliki Kolovou | Consultant Diabetes Physician |
| Kaylee Lovie | Lead Diabetes Specialist Nurse |
| Dr Omar Mustafa | Consultant Diabetes Physician |
| Georgia Noble-Bell | Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Lead Inpatient Services |
| Vivian Obah | Diabetes Technician |
| Vidya Purhigail Sathish | Diabetes Specialist Nurse |
| Simone Racuru | Diabetes Specialist Nurse |
| Helen Rogers | Nurse Consultant, Diabetes |
| Dr Miranda Rosenthal | Consultant Diabetes Physician |
| Emma Whight | Diabetes Specialist Nurse |