Diabetes and Endocrinology - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Endocrinologists care for people with hormone imbalances, which can affect a wide range of bodily functions. This includes people with diabetes who have too much glucose (sugar) in their blood, either because they do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin cannot work effectively.

About us

The endocrine system (a complex network of glands and organs) includes many glands and other tissues that make hormones.

Hormones signal through the blood stream to regulate our growth and development, sexual function and fertility, appetite and weight, metabolism, energy levels and responses to stress. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes, pituitary and hypothalamus.

Hormone imbalances can result in disorders affecting our health in many different ways.

How we help

Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat endocrine conditions.

Diabetologists specialise in the care of people with diabetes, confirming the type of diabetes, and working with patients to develop the best treatment plan to avoid high or low glucose levels causing symptoms or complications. We work in a team which includes specialist nurses, dietitians, and psychologists to provide education, and support self-management for people with diabetes and endocrine conditions.

As well as our general diabetes and endocrinology clinics, we have a range of sub-specialty and multi-disciplinary clinics including:

medical obstetric (for women with diabetes and endocrine conditions in pregnancy)
diabetic foot
transitional diabetes (for teenagers and young adults)
monogenic diabetes
diabetes pump and technology clinic
transitional endocrine (for teenagers and young adults)
late effects (for survivors of childhood cancer treatment)
pituitary
renal diabetes
thyroid cancer
transgender
HIV diabetes and endocrinology

Getting ready for your appointment

Please bring a list of all your current tablets and medicines with you.

If you have diabetes and are monitoring your blood glucose levels at home, please remember to bring your records and / or glucose monitors with you.

If you’ve been given a form for a blood test, please try to get this done one to two weeks before your appointment.

If you’re not able to attend your appointment, please cancel and re-schedule it.

What happens at your appointment

If your appointment is in person, you should check in at the reception desk then take a seat in the waiting area. One of the clinic nurses may check your height, weight and blood pressure.

The appointment will include a consultation and may include a physical examination. You may be asked to get a blood test and/or urine test checked before you leave.

If your appointment is a telephone consultation, please make sure that you’re available 30 minutes either side of the appointment time, as the clinic may be running late or early.

After the appointment, you’ll be sent a copy of the clinic letter.