Starting My Type 2 Diabetes Journey in the UK
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming – especially in the beginning.
When I was first told I had it, I had no idea what to expect. Would I need injections? What foods can I eat? Was my life going to change forever?
The first person who came to my mind was my grandmother, who also had diabetes. I remembered how she used to cut out sugar, and I thought maybe that would be enough for me too. But I wasn’t sure what else I was supposed to do.
In this blog post, I want to share exactly what happened after my diagnosis here in the UK – from medication I was prescribed, to the free NHS checks I now get every year, to the tools that helped me manage my blood sugar (including the Free Style Libre 2 Plus). If you’re just starting this journey, I hope this honest post gives you clarity, comfort, and confidence. You’re not alone – and you can take control of your health.
🩺 What Happened When I Was First Diagnosed
When my blood test results came back with a high HbA1c level, my GP called me for a follow-up. They checked my blood sugar again right there in the practice and confirmed the diagnosis: type 2 diabetes.
I was prescribed two types of tablets – one of them was metformin, which is commonly given as a first step in treatment. The other was gliclazide, another medication used to help lower blood sugar levels.
The GP told me I needed to change how I eat and start exercising. They also said I’d get a call from a dietitian – and I did. She gave me some guidance on portion sizes and food choices. For example, she said it was okay to eat a small banana or a handful of fruit – but over time, I learned that even those “safe” options could spike my blood sugar. I wrote more about this in one of my earlier blog posts.
💊 My Medication Journey: From Tablets to Insulin
At first, the tablets helped a little, but they weren’t enough to control my blood sugar. Eventually, my doctor decided I needed to start insulin.
Now, I’m still taking metformin, but I’ve also been prescribed two types of insulin:
- One is a slow-acting insulin that I take at night.
- The other is a fast-acting insulin that I take before meals.
This combination works much better for me. My numbers are more stable now, and I feel more in control. Needing insulin doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it just means your body needs more help, and that’s okay.
👀 Your Free Diabetes Care in the UK (What to Expect)
Once you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, all your prescribed medication becomes free on the NHS. You’ll also be offered free yearly check-ups to catch complications early – and trust me, they’re more important than they sound.
💊 1. Free Prescriptions
If you live in the UK and have diabetes, you’re entitled to free prescriptions for all your medications – not just diabetes-related ones. Once you’re diagnosed, you can apply for a medical exemption certificate (FP92A form), which covers all your NHS prescriptions. It’s one less thing to worry about financially, and it makes it easier to stay on top of your health.
🧪 2. Retinal Eye Screening
Every year, you will be invited to a special eye test – but it’s not the same as getting glasses.
This is called diabetic retinal screening. They put special drops in your eyes to widen your pupils and take high-resolution photos of the back of your eyes. They’re checking for tiny blood vessel damage that can lead to vision loss if untreated.
It takes just a few minutes, and it’s completely free.
🦶 3. Foot Nerve Sensitivity Test
You’ll also have an annual foot check at your GP or diabetes nurse appointment. They’ll ask you to take off your shoes and socks, then lightly touch different areas on your feet with a soft tool (like a thin stick or nylon thread).
This checks for nerve damage (called neuropathy), which can lead to foot ulcers or injuries that you don’t even feel – and those can become serious if ignored.
📱Freestyle Libre 2 Plus: The Device That Changed Everything
When I was first diagnosed, my GP gave me a free finger-prick blood sugar monitor – the kind where you check your levels by pricking your finger and using testing strips. It worked well enough, but if I wanted to check before and after meal, I’d run out of strips way too fast. It also became tiring, painful, and not practical for everyday life.
Later, when I was switched to insulin, I was also prescribed the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus – and honestly, it’s changed how I manage my diabetes.
꩜ What Is the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus?
It’s a small sensor that you can apply to the back of your upper arm, and it tracks your blood sugar 24/7. You don’t have to prick your fingers anymore – just scan the sensor with your phone and you’ll instantly see your levels. It even gives you an estimated HbA1c, which helps you track your overall progress.
Each sensor lasts for 14 days, and when it expires, your phone will notify you. You simple remove it and apply a new one – usually on the other arm. It’s easy and painless to apply at home.
You can check out the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor here (affiliate link)
🍕 Why I Love It
The biggest benefit for me is being able to see how my blood sugar reacts to different foods – live. For example, if I eat something like rice or a slice of pizza (which I did during my Italian holiday – I couldn’t resist!), I can see my sugar going up in real time. That allows me to adjust my insulin and activity levels to balance things out.
Everyone reacts differently to foods, and the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus helped me learn what works for me – not just what the dietitian or internet says.
⛱ Tips from Me
If you’re going to swim or take a long bath, you’ll want to protect the sensor. I use special adhesive patches to keep it in place – especially during holidays or beach days.
💬 Final Thought:
So overall, please remember – you are not alone. Millions of people around the world live with this condition, and many of us are still learning how to manage it every single day.
I know it’s not always easy, but we are actually in a privileged position compared to many others. In the UK and most EU countries, healthcare is either free or cost just a small monthly amount, which makes it easier to access things like medication, education, tools like the Freestyle Libre. Even in wealthier countries like the US, many people still struggle to afford basic diabetes care.
But in many parts of the world – especially in low-income or developing countries – people don’t even have access to insulin, testing supplies, or food education. Many live in poverty, unable to manage a condition that can be controlled, if only they had the resources.
So even on tough days, let’s remember how lucky we are to have the opportunity to care of ourselves. If you’re reading this, you’re already one step ahead – and I’m here with you.
-Roni 💚
Lower Your Sugar - Simple Tips for a Healthier Life 
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