Diabetes & Metabolic Health: what it is and how we help

Type 2 diabetes and metabolic health at a glance

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding well to insulin and blood sugar stays too high. Over five million people in the UK have diabetes, and millions more have prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes is managed by your GP and diabetes team; lifestyle change is at the heart of that care, and for some people it can put diabetes into remission.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

• Feeling very thirsty and passing urine more often
• Tiredness and blurred vision
• Slow-healing cuts and frequent infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Many people have no symptoms at first

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Risk factors include excess weight, especially around the waist, inactivity, family history, age over 40, South Asian, Black African or Caribbean heritage, and a history of gestational diabetes or PCOS.

How is it treated?

Your GP or diabetes team will monitor HbA1c and may prescribe medication. Structured education, weight loss, activity and diet are recommended for everyone. Significant weight loss can lead to remission for some people.

How we support metabolic health in Chiswick

• Fitness and nutrition: coached exercise and eating plans that complement your diabetes care.
• InBody scan: tracks visceral fat and muscle as your plan progresses.
• Blood tests: HbA1c, lipids and kidney function between GP reviews.
• Physiotherapy: for joint pain that makes exercise hard.
• Tai chi: gentle activity with evidence for balance and blood sugar.

What does the evidence say?

Weight loss of around 10 to 15 kilograms has put type 2 diabetes into remission for many people in UK trials. Regular activity, including strength training, lowers HbA1c. Always discuss changes with your diabetes team, particularly if you take insulin or tablets that can cause low blood sugar.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range, usually an HbA1c of 42 to 47 mmol/mol. Millions of UK adults have it without knowing. It is a warning sign rather than a diagnosis of diabetes, and many people bring their levels back to normal with weight loss and more activity. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme offers free support to eligible people.

Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?

For some people, type 2 diabetes can go into remission, meaning blood sugar stays below the diabetes range without diabetes medication. The UK DiRECT trial found this was most likely with significant weight loss soon after diagnosis. Remission is not a cure, so regular checks continue, but it can greatly reduce the risk of complications.

What should people with type 2 diabetes eat?

There is no single diabetes diet. Plenty of vegetables, pulses, wholegrains and protein, with fewer refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, helps most people. Some people use lower-carbohydrate or Mediterranean-style patterns with good results. If you take insulin or medicines that can cause low blood sugar, discuss changes with your diabetes team first.

What to expect at Omnia

We start with your medical history, current medication, recent HbA1c and goals, then an InBody scan to measure visceral fat and muscle. Your plan combines coached activity and strength work, practical eating changes and, where helpful, physiotherapy for joint pain that limits exercise. Repeat blood tests and scans track progress, and we share results with your GP or diabetes team.

What you can do at home

• Walk after meals to help lower blood sugar
• Choose high-fibre, minimally processed foods
• Check your feet daily
• Keep your diabetes reviews up to date

For a step-by-step plan, see our guide to how to reverse insulin resistance. For risk factors and remission, see what causes type 2 diabetes and whether type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

Blood tests that can help

HbA1c is the main blood test for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Our Diabetes Status (£69) test includes HbA1c, glucose and insulin. Read our guides to prediabetes blood tests and HbA1c levels. Blood tests are taken at our Chiswick clinic, with no GP referral, and you receive a clear results report, with a GP review available at an additional cost if you would like one. See every blood test and price.

Related: metabolic imbalance and peripheral neuropathy. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.