Term	Definition	Example
Type 2 diabetes	A long-term condition in which the body doesn't use insulin properly, leading to raised blood sugar over time.	"The blood tests have confirmed a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes."
Blood sugar	The everyday, patient-facing term for glucose levels in the blood. Clinical equivalent: glycaemia.	"Your blood sugar has come back above the normal range."
HbA1c	A blood test that shows the average blood sugar level over roughly the last three months — “a long-term average, not a snapshot of today.”	"We'll recheck your HbA1c at your three-month follow-up."
Fasting glucose	A blood sugar reading taken after not eating for several hours, usually first thing in the morning. A snapshot rather than an average.	"The fasting glucose was taken before you'd eaten anything that morning."
Lifestyle changes	The GP's umbrella term for the first-line, non-drug approach to managing Type 2 diabetes — diet, activity, and weight.	"We always start with lifestyle changes before considering medication."
Carbohydrates	The nutrient group most directly linked to blood sugar rises: bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, sugary drinks.	"Reducing refined carbohydrates can help manage blood sugar levels."
Physical activity	General movement and exercise, framed around what the patient already does rather than a prescribed routine.	"Even moderate physical activity most days of the week makes a difference."
Diabetic eye check	An annual screening for diabetic retinopathy — changes to the blood vessels at the back of the eye caused by high blood sugar over time.	"You'll receive a letter inviting you for your diabetic eye check."
Diabetic foot check	An annual check of circulation and sensation in the feet, since diabetes can affect both over time, often before symptoms appear.	"The diabetic foot check takes about five minutes at the surgery."
Annual review	The yearly GP appointment that brings the eye check, foot check, and a blood-sugar recheck together.	"Your annual review is the appointment where we check everything together."

FREE TRANSCRIPT PDF

Episode 13 — Free transcript & study guide

WATCH THE EPISODE

VOCABULARY - 10 TERMS

EPISODE STRUCTURE

YOUR HOSTS

Nadia

Tom

Recommended Resources

NEXT EPISODE