Managing diabetes effectively requires regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and proactive healthcare.
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, understanding your condition and the care you should receive can help prevent complications and improve long-term health.
Below, we cover ten key areas to get clued up on if you’re living with diabetes.
1. HbA1c – Your Key Diabetes Test
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c is a crucial blood test that shows how well your diabetes is controlled over the last three months. It measures the percentage of red blood cells with sugar attached (glycosylated haemoglobin).
Unlike finger-prick blood sugar tests, which show sugar levels at one moment in time, HbA1c gives an overall picture of long-term glucose control.
What should my HbA1c be?
- Target for most people: 48 mmol/mol or lower (within the first 10 years of Type 2 diabetes diagnosis).
- If you have had diabetes for a long time, are on multiple medications, or have other medical conditions, your target may be slightly higher.
You should have your HbA1c checked every 6-12 months.
Action point: Know your current HbA1c level and discuss your personal target with your GP.
2. Blood Pressure – Why It Matters
Why is blood pressure important?
Diabetes is now seen as a cardio-renal-metabolic condition, meaning that your heart, kidneys, and blood sugar levels are all linked. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
What should my blood pressure be?
• For most people with diabetes: Less than 140/90 mmHg.
• If you have kidney disease: 130/80 mmHg or lower.
• If you are over 80 or frail: Your target may be slightly higher.
Blood pressure should be checked every 6-12 months.
Action point: Regularly monitor your blood pressure at home or with your GP to ensure it stays within the target range.
3. Cholesterol – Protecting Your Heart
Why is cholesterol important in diabetes?
People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol contributes to plaque build-up in arteries, which can lead to blocked blood vessels.
What should my cholesterol levels be?
• Total cholesterol: Below 5.0 mmol/L
• LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Below 3.0 mmol/L
• Annual cholesterol checks are essential for monitoring risk.
Should I take cholesterol-lowering medication?
If you are over 40 and have diabetes, you will likely benefit from a statin medication, which helps:
• Lower cholesterol levels.
• Stabilise plaques in arteries, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Action point: Ask your GP about your cholesterol levels and whether a statin is right for you.
4. Kidney Checks – Protecting Your Kidneys
Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease. Monitoring kidney function is essential.
How are my kidneys checked?
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): A blood test measuring kidney function. A normal result is above 60 ml/min.
- Urine Microalbumin (ACR Test): A urine test detecting early kidney damage. It should be done annually.
Action point: Ensure you have your kidney function tested at least once a year.
5. Eye Health – Retinopathy Screening
Diabetes can affect small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye screening helps detect issues early.
What should I do?
- Everyone with diabetes should have an annual NHS diabetic eye screening.
- If changes are detected, you will receive monitoring and potential treatment to prevent further damage.
Action point: Ensure you attend your annual eye screening appointment.
6. Foot Care – Avoiding Complications
Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet, leading to serious complications.
What should I do?
- Have a foot check at least once a year.
- Know your personal foot risk level (low, moderate, or high).
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or infections.
Action point: Book a foot screening and follow good foot care habits.
Learn more about foot care here
7. Weight Management – How It Affects Diabetes
- Maintaining a healthy weight improves diabetes control and reduces complications.
- Even losing 1kg can lower HbA1c levels.
- Central obesity (weight around the stomach) is a key risk factor for heart disease.
Action point: Discuss weight management strategies with a GP or dietitian.
Find weight management support here
8. Quit Smoking – Why It’s Essential
Smoking significantly worsens diabetes-related complications. Quitting smoking improves blood sugar control and reduces heart disease risk.
Action point: If you smoke, seek support to quit.
9. Diabetes Education – Know Your Numbers
Essential Checks Every Year
Everyone with diabetes should complete these 9 key health checks annually:
- Height & weight
- HbA1c
- Cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Eye screening
- Foot check
- Kidney tests (blood & urine)
- Smoking status
Action point: Stay informed and proactive about your diabetes care.
10. Medications – Understanding Your Treatment
- Metformin: First-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
- SGLT-2 inhibitors (Forxiga, Jardiance): Help lower sugar, support weight loss, and protect the heart and kidneys.
- GLP-1 injections (Ozempic, Victoza): Assist in sugar control, weight loss, and reducing heart risks.
- Insulin therapy: Required for some people with Type 2 diabetes.
Action point: Understand what medications you are taking and why.
Kent Family Medical Diabetes Care
Taking control of your diabetes care helps prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Regular monitoring, lifestyle choices, and appropriate medications are key.
At Kent Family Medical, we are committed to empowering people with diabetes to take control of their health.
Our experienced GPs and dietitians provide expert diabetes management, helping patients feel confident in their treatment and care.
You can book a GP or dietitian appointment immediately or explore our Diabetes Healthcare Packages for comprehensive care.