Contents
Type 2 Diabetes
Overview
Type 2 diabetes is a long‑term condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it. Glucose builds up in the bloodstream, damaging blood vessels and nerves over time. Alongside heart attack and stroke, research now links Type 2 diabetes to a higher lifetime risk of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease—making early, aggressive risk‑factor control essential.
At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you can access fast diagnostics, consultant‑led treatment plans, and integrated dietetic and rehabilitation support—all in one place.
Why Early Control Matters
- Cuts the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure
- Protects eyes from diabetic retinopathy and vision loss
- Reduces chances of painful neuropathy and foot ulcers
- Helps maintain energy, mood and work performance
- May lower your future risk of Parkinson’s disease and other cognitive decline by limiting chronic inflammation and vascular damage
- Improves weight management and sleep quality
Symptoms You Might Notice
- Constant thirst and passing urine more often, especially at night
- Unexplained tiredness or blurred vision
- Slow‑healing cuts or frequent infections (thrush, skin or gum)
- Tingling, burning or numbness in feet and hands
- Unintentional weight loss or increased hunger
- Erectile dysfunction in men or reduced libido in women
Many people have no symptoms; routine blood tests often provide the first clue.
Who Is Most At Risk?
- Age over 40 (over 25 in South Asian, Black African or Caribbean heritage)
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Overweight—especially central (“apple‑shaped”) weight gain
- High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle and high‑sugar, ultra‑processed diet
- History of polycystic ovary syndrome or fatty‑liver disease
- Long‑term use of steroids or certain antipsychotic medicines
When To Seek Medical Advice
Book an appointment on 01296 678 800 if you:
- Have any of the symptoms above for more than two weeks
- Already have diabetes and notice sudden vision changes, chest pain or new numbness
- Are planning surgery or long‑haul travel and need medication advice
- Want a second opinion on complex medication regimes or persistent high HbA1c levels
Seek urgent care if you develop vomiting, abdominal pain, deep rapid breathing or confusion—these could signal diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar crisis.
How We Diagnose And Monitor Diabetes
- Consultant Medical Review – comprehensive history, medication check and complication screening.
- Rapid Laboratory Testing – HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid profile, kidney function and urine albumin via our Blood‑Testing Service.
- Cardiovascular Assessment – ECG, blood‑pressure profiling and, when indicated, CT coronary calcium scoring in the CT Suite.
- Eye and Nerve Checks – retinal photography referrals and in‑clinic neuropathy screening.
- Regular Follow‑Up – scheduled reviews every three to six months to adjust therapy and track progress.
Treatment And Ongoing Support
Lifestyle First
- Dietetic guidance from our Dietetic Team on Mediterranean‑style eating, carb awareness and sustainable weight loss
- Structured exercise prescriptions and physiotherapy input from the Rehabilitation Service
- Sleep hygiene, alcohol moderation and smoking‑cessation programmes
Medication Optimisation
- Metformin as foundation therapy where suitable
- SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP‑1 receptor agonists for heart, kidney and weight benefits
- DPP‑4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas or insulin when required, with careful dose titration
- Blood‑pressure and cholesterol medicines to hit protective targets
** Complication Prevention**
- Foot‑care education and rapid podiatry referral for any ulcer or infection
- Annual retinal screening and kidney microalbumin checks
- Parkinson’s and cognitive‑risk discussion: advice on activity, sleep and vascular risk to safeguard long‑term brain health
Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?
- Appointments usually available within one week
- Fast, same‑day or next‑day bloods and imaging in one location
- Consultant‑delivered care—no crowded clinics or long waits
- Integrated cardiology, neurology, dietetics and rehabilitation on site
- Flexible evening and Saturday clinics, plus virtual follow‑ups
- Free parking, private ensuite rooms and easy access from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?
Significant weight loss and sustained lifestyle change can put diabetes into remission for many people, but ongoing monitoring remains vital.
Why Mention Parkinson’s Disease?
Large population studies show people with Type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of Parkinson’s. Keeping glucose, weight and blood pressure controlled may reduce that risk.
Will I Need Insulin?
Not always. Many people control levels with tablets and lifestyle. Insulin is used when oral therapy isn’t enough or during illness and surgery.
Take Charge Of Your Blood Sugar And Brain Health
Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to arrange your Type 2 diabetes assessment and personalised management plan.
22 July 2025