Scott Weaver
Updated at: February 04, 2025 · 7 min read
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment & Testing: A Beginner's Guide
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects the way your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). With the right knowledge and treatment, it can be effectively managed, helping you to lead a healthy life. This guide covers the basics of type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, how to test for it, and the treatments available.
Key Takeaways:
Type 2 diabetes happens when the body struggles to control sugar levels.
It can make you feel tired, thirsty, or cause blurry vision, but eating healthily and exercising can help manage it.
Doctors can check for diabetes with simple tests.
If diagnosed, treatments like Metformin or Ozempic can help keep blood sugar levels under control.
Diabetes can lead to serious health problems if ignored.
But with the right diet, exercise, and medication, many people live long and healthy lives.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin enables cells to absorb sugar (also known as glucose) from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. When the body's insulin function is impaired, glucose builds up in the blood which leads to high blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, and when it’s not working properly, glucose builds up in the blood. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
There isn’t a single cause of type 2 diabetes, but multiple factors contribute to its development, including:
Genetics – If close family members have diabetes, you may be at higher risk.
Insulin Resistance – The body's cells don’t respond properly to insulin.
Obesity – Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, can increase insulin resistance.
Poor Diet – Consuming high amounts of refined carbs and sugary drinks can contribute to the condition.
Lack of Exercise – A sedentary lifestyle can make insulin resistance worse.
Age – The risk increases with age, particularly after 45.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, meaning symptoms might go unnoticed at first. Some common signs include:
| Increased thirst or urination | The kidneys work harder to remove excess sugar from the bloodstream, leading to increased urine production. |
| Fatigue | The body's inability to effectively utilise glucose for energy can leave you feeling drained. |
| Unexplained weight loss or gain | Sudden weight loss can occur in some cases. Weight gain may also be a symptom due to the body's inability to use insulin and regulate blood sugar. |
| Blurry vision | High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision or other vision problems. |
| Slow wound healing | Type 2 diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal wounds, leading to slower healing times. |
| Numbness or tingling | Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. |
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.
How to Test for Type 2 Diabetes
Testing is the only way to confirm if you have diabetes. Here are the most common tests used:
HbA1c Test – Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test – Measures glucose levels after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Assesses how your body processes sugar.
Random Blood Sugar Test – Can be taken at any time and indicates blood sugar levels.
You can purchase diabetes testing kits from UK Meds to monitor your blood sugar at home.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
There are multiple ways to manage type 2 diabetes effectively, including lifestyle changes and medication.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Healthy Diet: Eat balanced meals rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood sugar control.
Quit Smoking: Smoking worsens insulin resistance and increases diabetes complications.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Alcohol can impact blood sugar levels and should be consumed in moderation.
2. Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
Many people with type 2 diabetes require medication to help manage blood sugar levels. Some common medications include:
Metformin – Helps lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity.
Ozempic – A weekly injection that helps control blood sugar.
Glucophage SR – A slow-release form of Metformin.
Jardiance – Helps the kidneys remove excess glucose from the blood.
Forxiga – Another medication that lowers blood sugar through urine excretion.
All diabetes medications require a prescription and should only be taken under medical supervision.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?
While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it is possible to put it into remission. This means blood sugar levels return to a healthy range without the need for medication. The best way to achieve this is through:
Weight loss – Losing 10-15% of body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
Healthy eating – Reducing refined carbs and sugar intake can stabilise blood sugar levels.
Increased physical activity – Regular movement helps your body use insulin more effectively.
Long-Term Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
If unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications, including:
Heart Disease – Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Kidney Damage – Can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis.
Nerve Damage – Can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in extremities.
Eye Damage – Can result in blindness if untreated.
Foot Problems – Poor circulation increases the risk of infections and ulcers.
Regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medication can help prevent these complications.
How to Get Started with Treatment
If you suspect you have type 2 diabetes, speak to your GP for testing and medical advice. You can also order diabetes treatments online through UK Meds, where all prescriptions are subject to an online clinical consultation.
Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey, but with the right approach, you can lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Stay informed, follow your treatment plan, and don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals when needed.
Type-2 Diabetes FAQs
Can high cholesterol affect type 2 diabetics?
Yes, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol can have a significant impact on each other. Type 2 diabetes can contribute to an imbalance in fat metabolism, leading to an increased risk of developing high cholesterol levels. On the other hand, high cholesterol levels can further complicate the management of type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Can type 2 diabetes affect your cholesterol?
Yes, type 2 diabetes can affect your cholesterol levels. The interplay between type 2 diabetes and cholesterol is complex. Managing cholesterol levels is essential for individuals with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, increasing physical activity, and weight management are crucial for improving cholesterol levels.
What are carbohydrates/sugar?
Carbohydrates, also known as carbs, are a form of sugar molecule. When you consume carbohydrates your body will break them down into glucose. Glucose is the main energy source for the organs, tissue and cells of the body.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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