Diabetes management with support from our pharmacists
Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high levels of sugar in the blood. High levels can lead to short-term and long-term health problems. We can help you understand your medicines, your devices, and the everyday habits that make control easier.
How we can help
Whether you're reducing your risk or living with diabetes already, we'll keep it practical: clear explanations, sensible next steps, and help using your treatments safely and confidently.
Help to reduce your diabetes risk
If you don't have diabetes, our pharmacists can give you advice on reducing your diabetes risk and the changes that can help.
Support with devices
We can show you how to use blood glucose meters, flash/continuous glucose monitors, and injection devices properly — so your readings (and your confidence) make sense.
Support with medicines
We'll help you take diabetes treatments safely and effectively, understand side effects, and know what to do if you miss doses. If something doesn't feel right, we'll guide you on next steps.
Learn more about diabetes
Diabetes happens when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high, often because your body does not make enough insulin or insulin does not work properly. There are different types, and the day-to-day management can look very different for each.
Type 1 diabetes
Often diagnosed in childhood (but can happen at any age) and cannot be prevented. Management typically involves insulin and regular glucose monitoring.
Type 2 diabetes
Happens when insulin does not work properly or there is not enough of it. It can sometimes be prevented, improved, or put into remission with lifestyle changes and treatment.
Gestational diabetes
Can happen during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth. Risk can be reduced with lifestyle changes, and you'll be supported by your maternity/diabetes team if diagnosed.
A simple plan for day-to-day control
Focus on the basics: understand your readings, use your treatment correctly, and know when to seek help.
Know your numbers
Understand what your readings mean and what can push them up or down (food, illness, stress, activity, timing of medicines).
Use treatment correctly
We'll help you get confident with tablets, insulin, injection technique, device setup, and safe storage/travel tips.
Spot red flags early
Knowing when to seek help matters. If you have symptoms of diabetes, seek urgent advice via GP/NHS 111.
Common symptoms include: feeling thirsty all the time, peeing more than usual, feeling very tired, and losing weight without trying. If you or your child has symptoms, ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.