General Practice
Type 2 diabetes
How it develops, what the tests show, and what day-to-day management looks like.
6 min read
What it is
In type 2 diabetes the body either does not make enough insulin or stops responding to it properly, so glucose builds up in the blood. It develops gradually, often over years. Management combines eating patterns, activity, medicine and regular monitoring — and our GP and dietitian work on it together, in the same building.
What to look for
Passing urine more often, especially at night
Feeling unusually thirsty or tired
Blurred vision that comes and goes
Cuts and infections healing slowly
Many people have no symptoms and are picked up on a routine test
Sensible things to do at home
- Eat at regular times, with fibre and protein alongside starches
- Move most days — activity helps the body use insulin better
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters or colour changes
- Take medicine as prescribed and do not stop it when you feel well
- Attend the annual eye, foot and kidney checks we arrange
When to see us
- Any of the symptoms above, or a family history and no recent test
- Readings persistently outside the range we agreed
- A foot wound, ulcer or numbness in the feet
- Repeated low-sugar episodes: shakiness, sweating, confusion
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.