Follow-up includes contacts via phone and email. The frequency of follow-up with patients is individualized. Below are examples based on clinical needs. Timelines for educational needs will vary, and are usually more frequent for those with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. Educators are encouraged to check with their specific program policies as well as to encourage input from patients.
Same day, hourly or within hours:
- After counselling regarding insulin dose error
- Ketones or symptoms of DKA present and counselled regarding prevention of DKA
1 to 5 days:
- Newly started on insulin
- New insulin regimen started
- Adjusting insulin for hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia unawareness
- A1c over 13% or glucose readings mostly over 20 mmol/L and making management changes
- Insulin dose change of over 25% for one or more doses
- Glucose readings mostly over 14 mmol/L (type 1) and making management changes
1 to 2 weeks or less:
- Glucose readings mostly over 14 mmol/L and making management changes (type 2)
- Client declines insulin start and wants “more time” before starting insulin
- Client presents with no records and A1c significantly elevated and needs to gather some glucose data
2 to 6 weeks:
- A1c over target, not urgent, and working on specific goals to reduce