Showing posts with label tests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tests. Show all posts

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Type 2 diabetes monitoring: Blood sugar tests and health screenings

From mcpress.mayoclinic.org

If you have type 2 diabetes, measuring your blood sugar level, also called blood glucose level, is a useful way to track the status of your condition. But because high blood glucose can cause issues in your heart, kidneys, and even your eyes and feet, the best management strategies include additional tests to check for complications.

Keeping up with recommended testing and understanding test results empowers you to make informed decisions about your diabetes care. By working alongside your care team to refine your diabetes management plan, you can take steps to improve your health and happiness.

Blood sugar monitoring tests for type 2 diabetes

When you eat, your body breaks down the food into glucose, a type of sugar that fuels the cells throughout your body. The glucose enters your blood and gets into your cells with help from a naturally occurring hormone called insulin.

All types of diabetes stem from an issue in the interaction between blood glucose and insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, can’t use insulin effectively or both. This causes glucose to build up in your blood. If your blood glucose level is too high too often, it can cause issues throughout your body.

There are a few methods for measuring your blood glucose level. Each serves a unique purpose. Using them together can create a clearer picture of your diabetes.

                                                                                                                   Getty Images

The A1C test measures blood sugar levels over time

The A1C blood test offers an overhead view of your average blood glucose level. “It’s a nice barometer for a three-month period,” explains Jessica R. Wilson, M.D., M.S., an endocrinologist and diabetes expert at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The A1C test’s broad perspective is most useful for diagnosing diabetes and determining whether changes in your diabetes management plan, such as a new medicine or exercise routine, are affecting your condition.

The A1C test is sometimes called the glycated haemoglobin test. This is because the test doesn’t directly examine blood glucose levels. Instead, it measures what percentage of haemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells, is coated with sugar in a process called glycation. The more glucose there is in your blood, the more haemoglobin gets glycated.

Any factor that influences your haemoglobin can interfere with A1C test accuracy. This can include having low iron, kidney disease, a low red blood cell count or a gene that influences the shape of your red blood cells.

If you have type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends getting an A1C test at least twice every year. The best A1C test result to aim for depends on your age and diabetes history. An A1C result of less than 7% is a common goal for adults who have diabetes. If your A1C results are lower than this benchmark, “there’s a lower risk of eye damage, kidney damage, nerve damage and other complications,” Dr. Wilson says.

A blood glucose meter: A “snapshot” of blood sugar levels

While the A1C test is an important tool, people who have diabetes also need a quick way to check their current blood glucose levels. Using a blood glucose meter enables you to independently and accurately check your level within seconds. 

To use most blood glucose meters, you first insert a test strip into the device. Then you poke the side of a clean fingertip with a small needle, called a lancet, to release a drop of blood. When you touch the test strip to the blood, the meter shows your blood glucose level on a screen.

“The challenge is that doesn’t tell you how long it was at that level,” Dr. Wilson says. Everyone’s blood glucose levels naturally rise and fall throughout each day. Seeing a high or low result on a blood glucose meter could indicate that you took a snapshot during a natural swing. Or it could be evidence of a sustained issue. With a blood glucose meter, the only way to measure your level over time is to repeat the test throughout a certain period. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

Continuous glucose monitors track blood sugar throughout the day

Efforts to fill in the gap between the A1C test’s big picture and a blood glucose meter’s snapshot led to the development of the continuous glucose monitor. This device estimates the glucose level in the fluid between your cells, also called interstitial glucose, over time. The level of interstitial glucose is usually similar to the glucose level in your blood.

A continuous glucose monitor includes a tiny sensor inserted under your skin. The sensor transmits data to a receiver or your smartphone, which allows you to review your estimated glucose level minutes after the measurement was collected.

Automatically gathering a set of data points allows both you and your care team to build a clearer understanding of how your blood glucose changes throughout each day, Dr. Wilson says. Pairing a continuous glucose monitor with a log of day-to-day events — such as eating, taking a medicine or exercising — can help you optimize your diabetes management plan, especially if you’re using insulin therapy.

Like other glucose measuring tools, continuous glucose monitors aren’t always accurate. Compressing the sensor, which may happen while you’re sleeping, can cause the device to falsely indicate low blood glucose. Certain medicines also can affect readings.

Why is screening for type 2 diabetes complications important?

Measuring blood glucose is critical for tracking diabetes. But because type 2 diabetes can affect many parts of the body, testing for other health risks is just as crucial.

Dr. Wilson recommends that people who have type 2 diabetes start screening for complications as soon as they’re diagnosed — even though that may seem premature. “Most likely, there’s already been a period of time during which blood glucose was higher than the expected range,” Dr. Wilson says. Testing to detect any emerging issues can help you and your care team “get on the front end of it.”

The ADA’s current recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes include guidance for the following areas:

Heart and blood vessel health

People who have type 2 diabetes often have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The ADA recommends getting your blood pressure measured during every routine clinical visit, or at least once every six months. A lipid panel, which measures your cholesterol and triglycerides, is another important test for heart health. The ADA recommends getting a lipid panel when you’re diagnosed and at least once every year after.

Kidney health

Kidney disease also is common among people who have type 2 diabetes. The ADA recommends testing your urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to check your kidney health at least once a year.

Nerve health and peripheral neuropathy

High blood glucose can cause nervous system issues. The ADA recommends an assessment for peripheral neuropathy by a healthcare professional after you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and once every year after.

Eye and sight health

To monitor any vision issues, the ADA recommends having a dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor after you’re diagnosed. Getting checked once every year helps your care team catch emerging issues.

Foot health

The ADA recommends an annual foot health examination. If you have a high risk of foot issues, a foot doctor might be able to offer specialized care.

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-monitoring-blood-sugar-tests-and-health-screenings/

Saturday, 14 March 2026

Is type 2 diabetes testing right for you?

From ahchealthenews.com

Nearly 28% of adults with diabetes have not been diagnosed, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Plus, the number of adults with prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, now affects 2 in 5 adults, and most people don’t know they have it.

These numbers are especially concerning given the damage untreated diabetes can do to major organs and blood vessels. That’s why diabetes testing is more important than ever.

Who is a candidate for diabetes testing?


“Testing should be considered if an adult is considered overweight or obese and has one or more risk factors,” says Dr. Ruchita Patel, an endocrinologist at Advocate Health Care. “People with prediabetes should be tested yearly, and people who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes should have testing every one to three years.”

Health care providers typically don’t screen for diabetes in adults who are overweight until they are 35 years old. Screening may be considered earlier if you have certain risk factors, including:

  • A first-degree relative, such as a mother or father, with diabetes
  • A history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, low HDL cholesterol levels or polycystic ovary syndrome

Because diabetes develops gradually, there are often no obvious symptoms at first. This is why many people go undiagnosed. These challenges make early testing crucial, especially for those more likely to develop the disease.

“Diabetes is a silent disease,” Dr. Patel adds. “Several of the symptoms are often ignored until it’s too late. Awareness is key.”

The good news is that testing involves a simple blood draw to check your A1C and blood glucose levels.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The most common symptoms are:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst and hunger
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts or bruises that heal slowly

Weight loss is also a sign of type 1 diabetes, and tingling in the hands and feet is common in type 2 diabetes.

How to reduce your risk

If you are at risk of developing diabetes, it’s important to lower your blood sugar by focusing on weight loss and moderate exercise.

“Research shows that you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% if you lose 7% of your body weight and do moderate exercise for 30 minutes five days a week,” Dr. Patel says.

The best moderate exercise is the one that gets your heart rate up and helps you stay consistent. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing are all good choices.

Want to learn more about your risk for diabetes? Take a free online quiz. 

https://www.ahchealthenews.com/2026/03/13/is-diabetes-testing-right-for-you/

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Weekly Wellness: Preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes

From steamboatpilot.com

If you have Type 2 diabetes or are worried about developing it, there are steps you can take to manage the condition and be proactive about preventing it.

“There are a lot of tools in our tool kit,” said Margo Boatner, a certified physician assistant with UCHealth Endocrinology Clinics in Steamboat and Craig. “There are things in your control like your diet and lifestyle if you are worried about prediabetes or have a family history of it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 1 in 6 Americans have diabetes, with the majority of those individuals having Type 2 diabetes. But new ways to manage the disease means more effective ways to live a healthier life. 

“If you have Type 2 diabetes, there are new medications that are very effective and safe to help you get your blood sugar level under control and help to prevent diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, kidney disease and certain degenerative eye conditions,” said Boatner.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels that gradually worsen.

In the body, it means insulin production has decreased while insulin resistance has increased, which results in uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Over time, chronic blood sugar levels that are too high can damage the kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves and blood vessels.

What can cause Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with family history, being overweight or obese, and/or being from certain ethnic backgrounds that are predisposed to the chronic disease.

While there is a tendency to blame a person’s diet for causing Type 2 diabetes, Boatner said that is just one of many factors that can contribute to the development of the disease.

“Diet is just one piece of the puzzle,” she said. “Healthy eating can be a challenge due to affordability, access to healthy food and the prevalence of heavily processed foods in our society. Genetics and lifestyle are other factors.”

How do you know if you have type 2 diabetes? What are the symptoms?

According to Boatner, people with Type 2 diabetes can be asymptomatic and go undiagnosed for years.

“People can think they are healthy and if they don’t see their doctor or have an annual screening, they might not know they have it,” she said.

However, once blood sugar levels hit a tipping point at about 300 milligrams per decilitre, individuals will likely begin to experience increased thirst, extreme hunger, visual disturbances, frequent urination, weight loss and fatigue.

“This is why it’s important to have annual physicals and blood work to screen for Type 2 diabetes beginning at 35, especially if you have a family history or other risk factors,” said Boatner.

How do you test for Type 2 diabetes?

There are three main blood tests to check for Type 2 diabetes.

  • An A1C test measures the last three months of a person’s blood sugar levels.
  • A fasting plasma glucose test measures blood sugar after at least eight hours of fasting.
  • The oral glucose test measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose-containing liquid.

How can you prevent Type 2 diabetes if you have a family history or are in a ‘prediabetes’ stage?

At a prediabetes stage, you can make lifestyle changes to slow the progression of Type 2 diabetes. That includes adopting habits such as exercise, good nutrition and weight management, while possibly incorporating medication under the guidance of your provider.

“There are certain things within our control like our behavior around food and exercise, and there are some not within our control, like genetics and ethnic background and your metabolism,” said Boatner.

What about medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro?

Managing diabetes can include the use of medications including semaglutides like Ozempic or tirzepatides like Mounjaro that are administered via weekly injections.

The medications work by mimicking a natural gut hormone in the body to stimulate insulin production, which in turn, lowers blood sugar levels. In addition, the medications slow the gastric system from emptying, so you feel fuller for longer periods. They decrease appetite as well.

“For the right person, these drugs are definitely reshaping how we are treating Type 2 diabetes,” she said.

Benefits of the medications include weight loss, regulated sugar levels, and a decrease or sometimes elimination of daily insulin shots. Cons are their costs, and the necessity to take them indefinitely as their benefits cease once a patient stops taking them. Most common side effects include nausea, heartburn and constipation, although these often improve with time.

“We start with a low dose to lessen the side effects,” said Boatner, “and then gradually increase the dose after four to six weeks.”

Talk with your provider when making decisions about your health

Boatner said it is important for patients to talk with their provider about treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Each patient should have an individualized plan that meets health needs while keeping goals in mind.

“There are factors you can control to help you lead your healthiest life with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes,” said Boatner. “We’re lucky we have new choices and effective glucose-lowering medications on the market to support patients.”

https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/weekly-wellness-preventing-and-managing-type-2-diabetes/

Sunday, 24 August 2025

Diabetes smartphone test could diagnose condition in under 10 minutes

From the-independent.com

The creators of the world-first app at diagnostics company PocDoc say the test could also save the NHS billions 

The world’s first smartphone test for type 2 diabetes could see diagnosis time cut from weeks or months to less than 10 minutes, experts have said.

NHS trusts in Cumbria and the northeast of England are the first to give patients access to the Diabetes Health Check app, with a nationwide rollout planned for later this year.

The creators of the app at diagnostics company PocDoc added that the test could save the NHS billions.

Approximately 5.2 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, and a further 1.3 million are thought to be undiagnosed.

The new test, which combines the “gold standard” finger-prick test with a smartphone app, is set to revolutionise preventative treatment for the disease, which costs the NHS £8.8bn a year.

“Enabling screening for type 2 diabetes risk, including blood biomarkers, via a smartphone app, is something that has never been done before,” said Steve Roest, CEO of PocDoc. “This approach doesn’t just improve patient access; it helps ease pressure on frontline services and supports a more sustainable, digitally enabled NHS.”

The new service uses the HbA1c biomarker, which measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months.

NHS trusts in Cumbria and the northeast of England are the first to give patients access to the Diabetes Health Check app (PA)

For the test, patients place a finger-prick blood sample on PocDoc’s patented tester, which performs a process known as a microfluidic assay. Then the patient scans the test using the PocDoc app and receives their result almost immediately, in contrast to the current process, which can take weeks or months.

Mr Roest said the app enables earlier detection and prevention, and moves testing and diagnosis into a community or home setting, which aligns with the aims of health secretary Wes Streeting’s 10-year plan for the NHS.

A pilot of the Diabetes Health Check is underway and will be rolled out across the UK later this year, Mr Roest added.

Professor Julia Newton, from Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, said: “Type 2 diabetes impacts thousands of individuals across the UK. But this is a disease which can be easily prevented and reversed through early detection, dietary and lifestyle changes.

“Digital testing services like PocDoc’s will make it easier for thousands of people to identify their risk of this disease, at the touch of a button. We’re delighted to be the first to pilot this revolutionary product in the UK, which has the potential to save thousands of lives.”

https://www.the-independent.com/news/health/diabetes-health-check-app-nhs-b2812882.html

Monday, 10 June 2024

UK: What diabetes health checks should I be getting?

From diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes can cause other health problems that can become serious if not picked up and monitored or treated in the early stages. So regular diabetes health checks – sometimes called your yearly or annual review  –  are part of your routine NHS treatment.

As part of your annual review, these are the health checks you should be offered:

A blood test where enough blood is taken to be sent to the lab to check your:

You should be asked to provide a urine sample that is sent to the lab to check: 

At the appointment you should also have:

  • A foot check which may be done safely once every two years if your last check showed no problems
  • Your weight and height measured to work out your Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Your blood pressure measured.

Your healthcare team will also ask if you smoke, so you can be offered help to stop.

It may not be at your annual review appointment, and is likely to be done by a different team, but you should also be invited to:

  • A diabetic eye check this is not the same as a sight test at the optician. Photos are taken of your eyes to see how diabetes is affecting them, as it can damage the blood vessels and cause an eye problem called diabetic retinopathy. 

    If your last diabetic eye check was clear, it may be safely offered once every two years rather than once a year. 

If you’ve been finding it hard to manage your blood sugar levels, be kind to yourself. Rather than being tempted to skip your health checks, see appointments as an opportunity to be as honest as you can with your healthcare team – and ask for help.  

Early treatment can help prevent or lower your risk of serious health problems from high blood sugar levels. These include sight loss, toe or leg amputations, kidney disease, heart attack and stroke.   

So it's important to get all of your health checks. See below the most common diabetes heath checks people miss out on - and tips to make sure you get them.

Diabetes health checks people are more likely to miss out on  

People are less likely to have their urine check for kidney disease, eye check and foot check than the other diabetes health checks.  

It can be difficult to access your annual review or diabetes health checks appointments – but as routine NHS care, it’s something that GPs and hospital teams should have set aside time for. So don’t feel guilty about chasing up appointments. They are there to help you and your team monitor how diabetes is affecting other parts of your body and help keep you healthy.  

There are also other reasons why people may not get these health checks. Find out some of these reasons and see our tips to help you get these checks: 

Providing a urine sample to check for kidney disease

Lots of people miss out on this check because providing a sample of your wee isn’t always easy. 

You might be sent a bottle to wee into at home, or have to provide a sample on the day of the appointment. Some people find this stressful but also a bit messy. Equally, carrying around a urine sample all day if you’re going to work isn’t practical.  

Tips to make providing a urine sample easier 

Ask the healthcare professional doing the check for flexibility. If you need something bigger to wee into or if you’d rather take the bottle home, do ask.  

You should also make sure the lid is on safely and could try wrapping tissue around the sample bottle or putting it into sealed bag if you are worried about it spilling.  

Sally, who has type 2 diabetes: "I don't want to carry the urine sample around in my bag at work all day, so I do it at the surgery. I've started using the toilet they have upstairs so I don’t have to walk through the waiting room with it."

Getting a diabetic eye check 

Lots of people miss out on this check because the diabetic eye check appointment is usually done at different clinic and not at your GP surgery or hospital.  

So, you may feel uncomfortable seeing someone new, or having to travel to a place you don’t know.  Some people may also worry about the results of the eye check more than other tests.  

You also won’t be able to drive after your appointment as you’re often given eye drops to help make the photo of your eyes clearer, which can make them blurry for a while afterwards. 

But it is important to get this check to see if diabetes is affecting your eyes so you can get treatment to delay or prevent it affecting your sight.  

Tips for making sure you get a diabetic eye check 

Remember that this isn’t a sight test, so you won’t have the expense of buying new glasses, if this is worrying you. 

It’s important to think about how to get to and from your appointment especially as you won’t be able to drive afterwards. If the appointment is hard to get to by public transport, check with the eye check provider or GP if there are other clinics that may be easier to get to even if they're further away. 

And if you’re unsure about the check itself or going to a new place, ask a neighbour, friend or relative to go with you.  

If you aren’t getting diabetic eye check appointments, you should contact your GP or hospital team. They can refer you to your nearest eye check service. If you are housebound, you should ask them how you can access these appointments in a way that’s accessible to you.

"Having my eyes checked prevented me losing my sight as problems with a build-up of fluid around my retina and issues with my blood vessels were caught early. I was able to get treatment before any lasting damage.

James Baillie, who has type 1 diabetes 

Getting a foot check  

Sometimes there may not be enough time at your annual review appointment for a foot check to be done. And sometimes you may worry about your feet not being as clean or smelling as you’d like.  

Tips for making sure your feet are checked

If there isn’t time for a foot check, do insist on a follow-up appointment. It isn’t enough for you to have checked them yourself. 

If you’re worried about someone touching your feet remember the person checking your feet is a trained professional and has seen it all and they will not mind.   

When you attend appointments, it can speed things up if you wear something that’s quick and easy to take off and put back on. So, for example wear socks instead of tights and shoes that are easy to remove.   

“The GP asks if I’ve noticed any changes in my feet, if I say no, they don’t check them. So unlike the blood test results, I don’t feel confident that there aren’t any problems. I feel too embarrassed to ask if they can do a foot check,” John, who has type 2 diabetes.

Other possible reasons people may not get their diabetes health checks

Having to repeat the checks 

Sometimes it can be frustrating if you are asked to have the same checks at a hospital diabetes service and at your GPs.  

To stop this happening, if your check-ups are done by your hospital team, you’ll need to ask your hospital team to send the information to your GP. And ask your GP to add any test results from the hospital to your records. 

Fear of being judged 

If you don’t get on with your healthcare professional – or feel they judge you, then it can be difficult to attend your appointments. Ask if it is possible to see a different healthcare professional for your diabetes health checks. If that’s not possible, but your relationship with the person doing the checks is preventing you from going, then think about whether you want to change your GP or diabetes team. 

Worry about starting medication  

The thought of having to start medication for diabetes can be worrying for some people, especially if they have read about the side effects. But there are now several different types of medications for type 2 diabetes so if you are having side effects or don't like how the medication is making you feel, you should talk to your diabetes team about what medications may be best for you.

Prioritising other things above your health   

It can be hard to make time for your health checks, especially if you are not sure why they are important. Busy lives can mean you prioritise work, family or other life pressures. But we know that diabetes related health problems can come on quicker in younger people so it’s important to take time out to make sure your health is being looked after.  

What other diabetes care should I be getting? 

If you have diabetes, there is other NHS care available if you need or want it. There are also certain checks and appointments that you should have when you're first diagnosed - see below. 

We've also got lots of information about the NHS care to expect when you have gestational diabetes. 

NHS care to expect when you’re first diagnosed 

Everyone living with diabetes should have certain checks and appointments when they’re first diagnosed with diabetes, to make sure you understand your condition and can live well with diabetes. If you didn’t have any of these when you were first diagnosed, speak to your healthcare team. 

Everyone living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have: 

  • A full assessment of your medical history, and anything going on in your personal life that might affect your diabetes.  

  • A referral to a diabetes group education programme that works for you and your cultural background, or the same type of education in a one-to-one appointment if you prefer. This should be within a year of diagnosis if you live with type 1 diabetes.

  • Information about the medical exemption form for free prescriptions if you live in England. You don’t need this in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as prescriptions are free for everyone. 

Within six months of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you should have: 

  • An individual diabetes management plan, discussed and agreed on with your healthcare team, that works for you and your cultural background, including your personal targets, contact details for your diabetes team and follow-up plans. 

  • Detailed information on how to live well with type 1 diabetes including giving your insulin, counting carbohydrates, managing hypos, managing when you’re ill, physical activity, and DVLA requirements for driving. 

  • A review with a dietitian.  

  • Your antibodies measured to confirm your diagnosis if it’s not clear what type of diabetes you have. 

When you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should have:  

  • If it’s right for you, a discussion about weight management or weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission, which is when your average blood sugar levels are no longer in the range for diabetes and you don’t need medication. 

  • A review of your emotional wellbeing and mental health needs. 

  • A review of your medication. 

  • A summary of your agreed diabetes management plan and when it should be reviewed again.    

NHS care to expect if you need it 

There are some diabetes checks and appointments that you should have access to but not everyone will need. Speak to your healthcare team if you think you need any of this help but aren’t getting it.  

Everyone with diabetes should have access to: 

  • An HbA1c check every three to six months if you’re struggling to meet your targets.

  • The chance to meet and get support from other people living with diabetes. 

  • Good quality care with access to diabetes specialists if you’re in hospital, including access to mental health support if needed. 

  • Pre-pregnancy review if you’re planning to have a baby, and advice from specialists at least 12 weeks before stopping contraception. 

  • Regular reviews at least every two weeks by the diabetes team during pregnancy. 

  • Support with sexual health concerns.  

  • A review of your emotional health and wellbeing needs. 

  • A review and update of your management plan. 

  • Appointments in a way that you prefer, whether that’s by phone or face to face, or reviewing your blood sugar levels with your healthcare team online, for example. 

  • Specialists who can help you manage any diabetes complications.  

Everyone living with type 1 diabetes should have access to: 

  • A review of the diabetes knowledge you already have and would like to have,  

  • Advice about your diet from a dietitian. 

  • A thyroid function blood test. 

  • A chat about diabetes technology offered locally that could help you. This includes continuous or flash glucose monitoring, which everyone should have access to if they would like it, or an insulin pump if you are not meeting your targets. 

  • Support from specialists who can help you manage your medication and blood sugars around physical activity.  

Everyone living with type 2 diabetes should have access to: 

  • Support to lose weight if you want or need to. 

  • Advice on physical activity. 

  • Technology to monitor your blood sugar levels, like a continuous glucose monitor, depending on certain criteria. 

You will also have access to other NHS care that is still important for your diabetes management, like flu and Covid-19 vaccines, screening services for other conditions, help to give up smoking, weight management support, and dental care 

Some areas offer other opportunities to improve your general health and diabetes wellbeing, like weight management, organised physical activity and active community groups. Ask your healthcare team what other support is available to you. 

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/care-to-expect?utm_campaign=1180083_General%20Enewsletter%20June%202024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dot_digital&utm_content=X6CSTXD%20-%202024%20June%20eNewsletter%20EM%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20ELRT&dm_i=79RZ,PAK3,1PBE5R,3CZGB,1