Diabetes - What You Should Know About Diagnosis & Prevention

Every November, Diabetes Awareness Month highlights one of the UK’s fastest-growing health challenges. More than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, and an estimated 850,000 remain undiagnosed (Diabetes UK, 2024).

Understanding the condition, recognising the signs, and knowing when to speak to your GP can make a real difference to long-term health.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels become too high because the body can’t use insulin effectively or doesn’t produce enough of it.

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin’s effects or gradually produces less of it.

T2D is the most common form, and its onset is often gradual. Many people live with pre-diabetes (also known as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia) for years without knowing.

Unchecked, high blood sugar can lead to complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, eye or kidney issues, which is why early detection and preventive lifestyle steps are so important.

How Your GP Tests for Diabetes

If you notice frequent thirst, increased urination, tiredness, blurred vision or slow-healing wounds, it’s worth discussing these symptoms with your GP.

Typical UK diagnostic tests include:

• HbA1c test – shows average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
  • A result of 48 mmol/mol (6.5 %) or higher indicates diabetes (NICE NG28).
• Fasting plasma glucose test – after at least eight hours without food.
  • 7.0 mmol/L or above may indicate diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – measures blood sugar before and two hours after a sugary drink, used when results are borderline.

If results are raised but below diabetic range, you may be told you have pre-diabetes and offered monitoring or referral to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP).

The UK National Screening Committee currently does not recommend universal screening for type 2 diabetes, but GPs are encouraged to test those with risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, or overweight (UK NSC 2023).

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Hereditary?

Yes, genetics can influence your risk, but it’s not destiny. Having a close relative (parent, brother or sister) with type 2 diabetes increases your likelihood two- to six-fold compared with someone without that history (Diabetes UK, 2023).  This happens because genes affecting insulin production and glucose metabolism can be inherited, but environment and lifestyle still play the largest role.

Regular activity, balanced eating, maintaining a healthy waist circumference, and not smoking all help offset this inherited risk.

Evidence That Prevention Works

Strong UK evidence shows that type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or even prevented:

• The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) has helped thousands at high risk achieve significant reductions in HbA1c and weight, cutting progression rates.
• The DiRECT trial (University of Glasgow & Newcastle University, 2017–2023) demonstrated that structured lifestyle and weight-management support delivered through primary care led to remission in up to 46 % of participants at one year.
• Public Health England (now OHID) reports that maintaining healthy weight, diet quality, and regular physical activity are the most effective protective factors.

Lifestyle Strategies Beyond Nutrition

While food choices are key, several other areas influence blood sugar and metabolic health:

1. Movement and Exercise

Even modest daily activity improves how muscles use glucose. Both aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) and strength training enhance insulin sensitivity. 

Breaking up long periods of sitting is also beneficial. Weight training is essential to helping improve insulin sensitivity too.

2. Sleep Quality

Consistently getting less than seven hours’ sleep can impair glucose control.
Prioritise a regular bedtime, reduce evening screen time, and keep the bedroom dark and cool.

3. Stress Management

Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that can elevate blood sugar.
Mindfulness, deep breathing, time in nature, or supportive conversations all help moderate stress responses.

4. Weight and Body Composition

Even a 5–10 % reduction in body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control. Focus on building muscle through gentle resistance exercise and balanced protein intake.

5. Regular Check-ups

For those living with diabetes, the annual review offered by the NHS includes checks for HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney and foot health, all vital for preventing complications (NHS Diabetes Care Processes, 2024).

For everyone else, periodic health checks for blood pressure, waist circumference, and glucose levels can help spot early warning signs.

Taking Action This Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes prevention isn’t about perfection - it’s about awareness and steady change.  This November, consider booking a routine health check, reviewing your lifestyle habits, and learning more about how small steps protect long-term health.

Explore related topics in:

• Insulin Resistance and Midlife Weight Gain
• Ultra-Processed Foods: The Hidden Driver of Weight Gain and Low Energy
• or browse the Recipe Section for balanced, real-food meal ideas.

If you’d like personalised support to improve your energy and metabolic health, book a Blood Sugar Balance Consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.