Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

23/04/2026

Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects around one in 20 pregnancies in the UK.

Yet research we’ve funded, being unveiled today at our Professional Conference (DUKPC), reveals a harsh reality. For pregnant women already under scrutiny, a GDM diagnosis can intensify judgement, blame and stigma.

Of the 1,800 women surveyed, over two thirds (68%) reported anxiety, 58% feeling upset and 48% experiencing fear. For many, the psychological impact continued beyond birth, with 61% saying GDM negatively affected their feelings about future pregnancies.

The findings highlight the need for targeted action to reduce stigma and meaningful emotional support for women during and after pregnancies affected by GDM.

➡️ Read more: https://orlo.uk/lzlHM

16/04/2026

❓ What happens at a diabetic eye screening appointment? Diabetic eye screening is a simple test which takes around 30 minutes to complete. The appointment includes:
👀 A vision test
👁️ Eye drops to make pupils larger
📷 Photos taken of the back of your eyes
Following the appointment, images are reviewed by trained specialists and results are sent in the post or are accessed electronically through the Patient Portal (https://portal.bsbcdesp.co.uk/login.html). Your vision may be blurry for a few hours following the appointment, so please do not drive.

10/04/2026

🌿 April is Stress Awareness Month 🌿
A perfect reminder to pause, breathe, and look after your wellbeing. Stress affects everyone, but small everyday actions can help: take short breaks, talk to someone you trust, get some fresh air, or try a moment of mindfulness.
If stress is impacting your health, support is available ✅.
🔗 Diabetes UK – Stress & Diabetes: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions/stress
🔗 NHS Mental Health Support: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

09/04/2026

Next week, the cancer bus tour is back in Birmingham and Solihull, helping local people spot the early signs and symptoms of cancer. We’ll be visiting five locations across the region, where you can:

- Get a free health check
- Learn how to spot the signs of cancer early
- Find out about the wide range of support services available
- Speak directly with staff from the NHS and our partners

Whether you’re interested in a health check, information for yourself or loved ones, or simply want to know what support is out there, come along and chat with us. Keep an eye out for the cancer bus near you.

02/04/2026

🐣🌼 The BSBC Diabetic Eye Screening Programme would like to wish all our followers a pleasant Easter bank holiday weekend.
We hope you enjoy a peaceful break. 🌷

31/03/2026

🌟 Patient Feedback Spotlight 🌟
We’re proud to share this lovely feedback we received recently.
Thank you to our patients for taking the time to share their experiences. 💙

19/03/2026

✨ Eid Mubarak ✨
DESP Birmingham & Solihull extends warm wishes to all community members who are celebrating Eid.
We hope this occasion brings peace, wellbeing, and a sense of renewal to you and your families.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our services and the work we do throughout the year.

12/03/2026

🎉 Sensory Bags Now in Our DESP Clinics! 👀💙
We’re excited to share that sensory bags are now available in 16 of our clinics! 🧩✨
They include calming tools and sensory items to help make eye screening more comfortable for autistic patients and those with learning disabilities. 😊👐
We’re also always happy to make reasonable adjustments based on individual needs- just let us know how we can support you. 💛
📞 0121 387 5600
📧hil.engagementbsbcdesp@nhs.net

25/02/2026

✨🌙👁️ Our Ramadan DESP poster is now available!
Please feel free to share our new poster below which features information relating to the use of eye drops at diabetic eye screening appointments during the fasting period. 💛🌙✨

17/02/2026

🥞👀 Happy Pancake Day!
Try these diabetes‑friendly Perfect Pancakes from Diabetes UK
👉 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes/perfect-pancakes
Try topping with fruit or yoghurt for a healthier flip! 🍓✨

A flipping good recipe for pancakes - great with both sweet or savoury toppings. Serves 8 Prep 5 minutes Cook 25 minutes Nutrition informationEach 58g serving contains (excludes serving suggestion) KCal 73 Carbs 11.3g Fibre 0.5g Protein 3.5g Fat 1.3g (Low) Saturates 0.3g (Low) Sugars 1.8g (Low) Salt...

12/02/2026

Between your diabetic eye screening appointments, it’s important to keep up with the everyday habits that protect your long‑term vision.
✨ Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within healthy ranges- these three factors play a big role in preventing damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.
✨ Stay active, eat balanced meals, and take your medications as prescribed.
✨ Small daily choices add up, helping keep your eyes healthier between each screening appointment.
Protect your vision- one day at a time. 👁️💙

06/02/2026

💌 Can you help make Amelia’s birthday wish come true?
Amelia is just seven years old and currently in palliative care. Her biggest wish is to break the UK record by receiving 8,000 birthday cards for her 8th birthday. 💖✨
If you can, please take a moment to write her a card and send a little love her way. A small gesture from us could mean the world to her. 🎈💛

Amelia, who is on palliative care, hopes to break the UK record for most birthday cards received.