Carbohydrate Counting

Our carbohydrate counting course comprises of two half day sessions which allow you to learn how to match your insulin dose with your carbohydrate intake. This is for people who use multiple injections of insulin for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

If you are able to count the carbohydrate you eat then you can choose what to eat and take the correct dose of insulin to ensure that your blood glucose stays in target. This can lead to improvements in diabetes control and allows you to eat a varied and changing diet.

Sessions are held regularly at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Contact fv.fvdiabetesdietitians@nhs.scot or 01324 566626 for more information.

Freestyle Libre Education

NHS Forth Valley has made the Freestyle Libre available on prescription to people with Type 1 diabetes who use multiple injections of insulin or an insulin pump and have attended carbohydrate counting education.

You need to attend an education session on how to get the best from the Freestyle Libre and you will then be given all the information to allow you to get a prescription for the system.

For further information please contact Forth Valley Diabetes Nurses on 01324 566929

Type 2 Diabetes Explained

This group aims to prepare you to cope with your diabetes on a daily basis. In small groups you will talk about living with diabetes in a relaxed and friendly way.

We are now offering an online version of Diabetes Explained. This will continue at least until we are able to run groups in person once again. For more details, email FV.X-PERT@nhs.scot or phone Lorraine on 01324 614684.

Where are the groups held?

What will we talk about?

Week 1 Diabetes Explained

Find out what happens to your body when you have diabetes, about the tests that your GP will do and why.

Week 2 Carbohydrate and Reading Food Labels Explained

Learn about how carbs (starch and sugar) affect your diabetes control. Also learn what to look for when reading food labels.

Week 3 Managing your Weight Explained

Talk about how to manage your weight and how losing weight and being more active improves diabetes control.

Week 4 Fats and Medicines Explained, and what next?

Learn the latest about fat, talk about the medicines you are on to keep healthy. We will make sure everyone understands the information we’ve shared during the programme. There’s a chance to hear about other things that can help you.

What some of our participants have said

“I would like to thank you for helping me to “own” my diabetes. Your course has now given me a new take on my situation”
Gerry, Clackmannanshire

“We have been fortunate to have an NHS adviser who set easily understandable & achievable targets, eg – ‘moderate exercise is 1/2 hr getting hot & sticky each day’. Brilliant!”

“A grateful client”, Stirling

“Thank you so much for all your help and the time you spent with me. It helped a lot and will be beneficial in the future”
Susan, Callander

For more information please phone the Diabetes Explained Team on 01324 614684. Our phone line is answered every Monday, but if you can’t get through just leave a message with your name and number.

You can also email jennifer.hynes@nhs.scot.