Type 2 Diabetes

This page is for patients of the Village Green Surgery, Wallsend who have been diagnosed with or are interested in Type 2 Diabetes

On this page:

What is Diabetes?

The video below explains what diabetes is, the different types, and why it is important your diabetes is controlled

You may also find these links useful:

You may also be able to attend a diabetes education course. If you would like more information, please contact Nurse Reception on 0191 295 8512.

What are the Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes?

Treatments can be divided into diet controlled, oral medications, and insulin.

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes who are treated with tablets or injections can apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate. This means all your prescriptions (including non-diabetes treatments) are free. If you would like to apply for a medical exemption certificate, please ask at reception for a copy of the form.

Diet Controlled

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. In some people, losing weight may even cause their diabetes to go into remission (see below).

This webpage contains some helpful information on ways you might want to change your diet to help your diabetes, with some practical suggestions. You can find some healthy food swaps here, and there are some healthy recipe ideas here.

If you need support with getting or staying active, Active North Tyneside has information on local free exercise programmes.

Oral Medications

It may be decided that your diabetes needs some additional treatment – however it is important that you continue to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Your medication regime will be tailored to your individual needs, however for most people Metformin is the first medication. There is also information on the other medications that can be used in Type 2 Diabetes.

Insulin

Some people require insulin to manage their diabetes. If you need to start taking insulin, you will be shown how to take insulin, how to measure your blood sugar, and be given some information on hypos. The videos below contain more information on this.

This page has some handy charts that can be used to record your results.

What are the Potential Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?

It is important that your diabetes is well controlled, to prevent complications. At least once a year, we will invite you to a review appointment and it is important that you attend – during these appointments we will check if your diabetes treatment needs to be changed and monitor for complications. You will also need to get your feet, kidneys, eyes and bloods checked at least every year (you will receive separate appointments for feet and eye checks, and will be asked to drop off a urine sample each year). The videos below show you what to expect at your feet and eye check appointments.

Poorly controlled diabetes can have a lot of complications – including risk to your eyesight, risk to your feet (for example ulcers or nerve damage), damage to your kidneys, increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This risk is much lower when your diabetes is controlled. There is more information on the complications of diabetes at this link.

Can I Still Drive?

Some people need to let the DVLA know about their diabetes and treatment. This depends on your type of license, your type of treatment, your symptoms and complications. For up to date guidance, please visit the DVLA Website. There is also a summary video below

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

In some people, lifestyle changes will mean your diabetes goes into remission. If this is the case we still need to monitor your diabetes levels and check for some complications, but the risks of developing these are much lower. This link and the video below explain more about reversing your diabetes

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