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About Us

Key Information

  • Blood sugar is important in type 2 diabetes, but it does not show the whole picture.
  • Blood pressure and cholesterol help the team understand your risk of heart and blood-vessel problems, while kidney, foot and eye checks look for other changes linked with diabetes.
  • Having these checks does not mean that all these problems are happening to you.
  • The results help the team spot where something may need attention, agree what to do next and keep monitoring your health over time.

Why Is Blood Sugar Checked?

When you eat, some food is broken down into glucose, which your body uses for energy. Insulin helps move glucose out of your blood so your body can use it.

With type 2 diabetes, insulin does not work well enough, or your body does not make enough of it. This means more glucose can remain in your bloodstream.

Why Are Other Checks Needed?

A blood-sugar result cannot tell the team everything about the wider risks that come with type 2 diabetes:

  • Your cholesterol and blood pressure help the team understand your risk of heart and blood-vessel problems.
  • Kidney checks look at how well your kidneys are doing.
  • Foot checks look for changes in the nerves and circulation.
  • Diabetic eye screening looks for changes that can affect your eyes.

Does Having These Checks Mean Something Is Wrong?

No. The reason for checking these areas is to spot where something may need attention and decide what to do about it.

If something does need attention, the team can agree the next step with you, make a change where needed and continue monitoring things over time.

What Is the Bigger Aim of Diabetes Care?

Your diabetes review is not a blood-sugar check with unrelated tests added on. The different checks help build a wider picture of your health.

The aim is to understand what may need attention and work together to lower your risks in the years to come.

Further Information

For more information about diabetes, please visit the NHS website.

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

Next review due: 21 August 2029