Type 2 Diabetes

• Increased thirst and urination (Polydipsia and Polyuria) - high blood sugar levels can cause excess fluid to be pulled from tissues, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination, including at night.  
• Increased hunger - even with increased food intake, the body may not be able to effectively use glucose for energy, leading to persistent hunger.  
• Fatigue - The body's inability to use glucose effectively can result in fatigue and low energy levels.  
• Blurred vision - high blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision.  
• Slow-healing sores - high blood sugar can impair the body's healing process, making cuts and sores take longer to heal.  
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet - this can be a sign of nerve damage, a complication of long-term high blood sugar.  
• Unexplained weight loss - people may experience weight loss, even with increased appetite.  
• Skin infections - diabetes can make some individuals more susceptible to skin infections, including yeast infections.  
• Genital itching or thrush - high blood sugar can lead to yeast infections in the genital area. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit your GP. 

• Diet - a healthy, balanced diet is essential. This includes focusing on portion control, choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and limiting sugary drinks and processed foods. 
• Exercise - regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and manage blood sugar levels.  
• Weight Loss - weight loss can significantly improve blood sugar control.  
• Medications – can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose production in the liver.  
• Insulin - Insulin can be administered through injections or an insulin pump. 

NHS Type 2 Diabetes Pathway to Remission

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Pathway to Remission (T2DR) Programme for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin is a free, one-year service that supports individuals with Type 2 diabetes to achieve weight loss and potentially put their diabetes into remission. The programme involves an initial 12 weeks of a low-calorie diet (soups and shakes), followed by a phased reintroduction of food, and then a long-term weight maintenance phase with ongoing support from a dedicated health and wellbeing team.  

ELIGIBILITY - Type 2 Diabetes Pathway to Remission 

• You are 18–65 years old 
• You were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last 6 years 
• Your BMI is: 
  • 27 or more (if White ethnic group) 
  • 25 or more (if Black, Asian or another minority ethnic group) 
• Your recent HbA1c blood test is in range: 
  • If on diabetes tablets → between 43–87 mmol/mol 
  • If not on tablets → between 48–87 mmol/mol 

• You have had a recent diabetes review (or agree to keep up with annual checks, even if you go into remission) 

• This programme is free on the NHS for eligible patients in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
   

You will not be able to sign up to the programme if:  

• You are on insulin 
• You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding 
• You have taken part in this programme in the last 12 months 
• You have certain serious medical conditions (ask your GP if unsure) 

You can find out more and get a referral from your GP or healthcare professional.  

X-PERT Health  

The X-PERT Health programme is designed to empower people with type 2 diabetes to better understand and manage their condition through lifestyle changes, covering topics like healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose management. The programme is typically delivered as a series of group sessions by trained educators available face-to-face across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. The X-PERT Diabetes programme is delivered by the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust with the aim to: 

• To increase participants' knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing their type 2 diabetes.  
• Usually A six-week course with weekly 2.5-hour sessions. 

Covering: 

• Week 1 – What is diabetes, Explanation of blood results and medications, Goal Setting 
• Week 2 – Nutrition for Health, Dietary Approaches, Fat Awareness, Goal Setting 
• Week 3 – Carbohydrate Awareness, Goal Setting 
• Week 4 – Psychology of Eating, Reading Food Labels, Physical Activity, Goal Setting  
• Week 5 – Possible short and long-term complications, Goal Setting 
• Week 6 – Q&A session and where to access more information. 
• Delivered by a trained Diabetes Health Educator.  

ELIGIBILITY - X-PERT Health  

• You are 18 or older 
• You have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 
• You live in Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin 
• You are willing to attend a structured education course (usually 6 weekly sessions) 

To refer into the X-PERT programme either speak with your GP or diabetes care team to discuss a referral. 

You can also self-refer by contacting either 01743 277696 (mainly a voicemail service) or email Shropcom.xpertdiabetes@nhs.net 

Diabetes UK offer a dedicated diabetes helpline for all people with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk. 

Call the confidential helpline to talk to their highly trained advisors who have counselling skills and an extensive knowledge of diabetes. They can provide information about the condition, take the time to talk things through and explore emotional, social, psychological or practical difficulties. 

England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

Call: 0345 123 2399, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm 

Email: helpline@diabetes.org.uk 

• Diabetes UK - T2D Know Your Risk