How to refer

Referring to Diabeter

Here is how Diabeter supports you in referring someone with type 1 diabetes to our specialized diabetes care.

How to refer someone to Diabeter

Transferring Care for Individuals with Long-Standing Type 1 Diabetes

Diabeter can fully take over the treatment of people of all ages living with type 1 diabetes.

To initiate this process, a referral is required.
Our preferred method is via Zorgdomein, but referral letters can also be sent by post or email to the appropriate Diabeter location.

Direct Referral Immediately After Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

Do you have a patient suspected of having type 1 diabetes? Please contact Diabeter’s emergency line directly at: 088-2807277.

For the Amsterdam region, use the emergency line for Diabeter Centrum Amsterdam: 088-2809100.

We will immediately take over the patient’s care—without any waiting time. We are always available for consultation, including in acute situations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wait Times at Diabeter

Immediate Admission: Individuals not currently receiving treatment for type 1 diabetes can be admitted without delay.

Transfers from Other Care Teams: If you are transferring from another diabetes care provider, please note that wait times may apply.

More about the wait times during registration

Early detection of type 1 diabetes

Recognizing type 1 diabetes early is crucial. If left untreated, the condition can worsen rapidly. To support timely diagnosis and care, our emergency line is available 24/7 for general practitioners and other healthcare professionals. Call 088 280 72 77 and select option 1 from the menu.

Type 1 Diabetes in Children (Ages 0–18)

Early recognition and treatment of type 1 diabetes in children is vital. Without timely care, a child’s condition can deteriorate rapidly—progressing from mild symptoms to a coma within just 4 to 8 hours.

When to Refer Immediately: Always refer a child to the Emergency Department if they show:

Unmeasurable blood glucose
Rapid or labored breathing
Drowsiness or confusion

In life-threatening situations, call 112 immediately.

What to watch for:

In children, 98% of cases involve type 1 diabetes. This means the person has an urgent insulin deficiency, which poses a serious risk of ketoacidosis.
In very young children, symptoms of type 1 diabetes can sometimes be unclear. Signs of impending imbalance and ketoacidosis include: drowsiness, vomiting, Kussmaul breathing, excessive drinking, and frequent urination.
Children with high blood glucose levels should always be referred immediately to a healthcare provider who specializes in type 1 diabetes.
The threshold values for type 1 diabetes are the same for children as for adults. Fasting blood glucose should not exceed 6.1 mmol/l. After a meal, it should not exceed 11.1 mmol/l.

TYPE 1 DIABETES IN ADULTS (18 YEARS AND OLDER)

Diabeter treats children and adults with type 1 diabetes and monogenic diabetes (MODY). A quick diagnosis and timely start of treatment are also crucial for adults.

Keep in mind:

A fasting blood glucose level above 7.0 mmol/l is indicative of diabetes.
A post-meal blood glucose level exceeding 11.1 mmol/l also suggests diabetes.

Four diabetes centers in the Netherlands

Diabeter operates four specialized centers for type 1 diabetes care across the Netherlands. Our clinics are located in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Deventer, and Groningen.

In addition, we collaborate with Amsterdam UMC through the Diabeter Center Amsterdam.

We provide care to patients throughout the country and always aim to treat individuals at the Diabeter location closest to them.

Why Refer Patients to Diabeter

Diabeter is a leading center of excellence in type 1 diabetes care, offering high-quality, specialized treatment across the Netherlands. Referring patients to Diabeter comes with several key advantages:

Diabeter is accessible 24 hours a day for individuals receiving treatment at one of our diabetes centers.
We prioritize the use of the latest technologies and improved treatment methods for type 1 diabetes.
Our multidisciplinary diabetes care team maintains fast and easy contact with each other and with people living with type 1 diabetes.
Diabeter provides both on-site and online care, ensuring intensive support for individuals with type 1 diabetes and for parents of children with the condition.
Our locations are designed to be personal, accessible, and friendly—creating a space where people with type 1 diabetes feel at home.
In addition to delivering top-quality care, we conduct scientific research and provide education about diabetes, contributing to a better future for everyone affected by type 1 diabetes.
Diabeter centers are easily reachable by public transport, car, and bicycle.
Our diabetes care is fully covered by health insurers.