If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you should have support and regular health checks to help you manage your condition.
Managing your condition
Type 1 diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes are usually referred to a specialist care team. You need to replace the insulin your body cannot produce. This is usually done via insulin injections or an insulin pump. You’ll also need to check your blood sugar levels regularly. It’s also important to manage your diet, keep active and aim to maintain a healthy weight.
Type 2 diabetes
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should have help from a team of healthcare professionals, including your GP. You may need medication, and you will have advice about managing your diet and weight and staying active.
For some people with type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to reach a normal blood sugar level by eating healthy food, managing your weight and being more active. If your blood sugars stay below the diabetes level for at least three months without medication, it’s known as remission. You’ll need advice and support with achieving this, so do not stop taking any medication without speaking to your GP first.
Health checks for people with diabetes
If you have either type of diabetes, you should have your blood sugar level checked regularly by a healthcare professional using an HbA1c test. This blood test measures your average blood sugar level over the last two to three months.
Your blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney function should also be checked at least once a year. Your annual diabetes review should also measure your weight and height to check your body mass index (BMI). You should also have a foot check and retinal eye screening check every one to two years.
Attending your check-ups and following any treatments can help prevent serious complications from diabetes, including sight loss, kidney disease and stroke. Contact your GP right away if you have any health problems in between these checks.
If you have any stroke symptoms, call 999.
Diabetes education
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your GP can refer you for free diabetes education and support, such as a course or an app. These help you learn more about your condition and how to manage it. You might be able to meet other people with diabetes and get advice from experts. Courses may be face-to-face or online.
Diabetes UK has information about diabetes education courses.
In England, you can sign up for the NHS Healthy Living online support programme for people with type 2 diabetes.
