What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high.

It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart, and nerves. It’s a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines, and have regular check-ups.

It’s caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It’s often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.

Know your risk of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to complications with your health. By finding out about your risk, you can discover how to prevent diabetes developing. It’s free and only takes two or three minutes.

All you will need to use the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool is an accurate measurement of:

  • Height

  • Weight

  • Waist

Diabetes UK Know Your Risk of type 2 diabetes tool

If you are at risk, ask your GP if you are eligible for a referral to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Remission

What is remission?

Type 2 diabetes remission is when your blood sugar return to ‘normal’ non-diabetic levels on a long-term basis, without the need for diabetes glucose lowering medication.

Remission is not possible for everyone but for those who enter remission, those diabetes symptoms are put on pause as are any arising complications from the condition.

Driving when on insulin

Having diabetes does not mean you need to give up driving, but you need to tell your insurance company that you have diabetes.

If you have been on insulin for more than three months, you have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA.

Weight loss and diabetes

Weight is a sensitive issue for many people and getting to an ideal, healthy weight is easier said than done. But when you have diabetes, there are huge benefits to losing weight if you’re carrying extra weight.

My story: how Martin turned round his diabetes

Martin had a shock diagnosis of type 2 diabetes but managed to turn his health around with the support of LiveWell Dorset.

“I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes – that was the kick I needed to sort my unhealthy habits out. My HBA1C was 129, but it should have been 48 or below, but through little changes to my diet and the introduction of daily walks, I managed to reduce my HBA1C down to 52 in less than six months.”

Type 2 diabetes path to remission success story: Brian

Brian was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December 2024. At the time, he could not imagine walking long distance, let alone running and enjoying it. Constant fatigue, body aches, and brain fog clouded his days, while declining mental health and side effects from medication left him feeling stuck and unsure.

Everything changed when he attended a local diabetes event and came across the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme. “This is what I need with support,” he thought, and support is exactly what he found. He says he could not have done it without his coach; they have been brilliant.

Type 2 diabetes path to remission success story: Joanne

Joanne was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during a routine health check. At the time, she felt constantly tired, her vision was affected, and mentally, she was in a difficult place. Starting medication gave her no relief. When her diabetes nurse mentioned the remission programme, Joanne was ready for change and the idea of 12 months of 1-to-1 coach support gave her hope.

Type 2 diabetes path to remission success story: Navin

Navin was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2020 at the age of 32. With COVID-19 and a new job to navigate, focusing on a diabetes remission programme wasn’t front of mind, and he began treatment with Metformin. But in 2024, Navin reached a turning point. He felt ready to take control of his health and committed to the programme, beginning his journey that November.

NHS type 2 diabetes path to remission Dorset webinar