Diabetes Medication

It only takes a few minutes to complete your online consultation for diabetes with a registered prescriber at UK Meds. Simply follow the steps below to get started.

1. Choose your preferred diabetes treatment from our available options.
2. Complete our quick online questionnaire. A registered prescriber will review your answers and, if appropriate, issue a prescription.
3. Your prescribed medication will then be dispensed and delivered securely in discreet packaging. Depending on your delivery choice, it could arrive as soon as tomorrow.

All requests for prescription medication at UK Meds are subject to an online clinical consultation. The final decision to prescribe will always be made by a registered prescriber.

Yes, anyone can develop diabetes. It’s not only linked to weight or lifestyle. Factors like your genes, age, and ethnic background can all increase the risk.

• Although type 2 diabetes is more common in people who are overweight, it can also occur in those with a healthy weight, especially if they carry more fat around their stomach area or have a family history of the condition.
• Type 1 diabetes is different. It’s an autoimmune condition, which means it can affect anyone, regardless of their size or weight.

'Do I have Diabetes?' Quiz

Think you might have diabetes? Take our quick quiz to assess your likelihood of having diabetes. Remember, to always see a doctor for medical adivce regardless of the outcome of your quiz results to be sure.

Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes your blood sugar (glucose) levels to stay higher than normal. There are two main types: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both can cause similar symptoms, such as feeling very thirsty, needing to pass urine more often, feeling tired, losing weight without trying, slow-healing wounds, and frequent infections.

Video: Diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2) & diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - Osmosis from Elsevier

Learn what diabetes is in this helpful video by Osmosis for Elsevier:

Type 1 diabetes develops quickly, often within days or weeks, and usually appears in childhood or early adulthood. It happens when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

Type 2 diabetes develops more slowly, sometimes over many years, and may go unnoticed for a long time. It occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t produce enough. It is more common in adults and often linked to being overweight, inactive, or having a family history of diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into your cells to be used for energy [4]. When this process doesn’t work properly, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels [3].

Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Although both affect blood sugar control, type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop for different reasons. The table below outlines the main differences between the two.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are lifelong conditions. However, prediabetes and gestational diabetes (which can develop during pregnancy) may sometimes be reversed with early treatment and lifestyle changes.

Spotting diabetes early is important to prevent complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss.

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Although many symptoms overlap, they may appear differently depending on the type of diabetes. The table below shows which symptoms are most common for each type.

If you notice any of these symptoms, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and management can help reduce the risk of complications and support long-term health.

Diabetes develops when your body cannot make enough insulin or struggles to use it properly. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from the food you eat into your cells, where it is used for energy. When this process does not work as it should, glucose stays in your blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause serious health problems if left untreated, which is why regular monitoring and the right treatment are so important.

Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

• It is not caused by lifestyle and cannot be prevented. The exact cause is still unknown, but it tends to run in families and is linked with other autoimmune conditions.
• Type 1 diabetes often develops in children, teenagers, or young adults, and is slightly more common in people who live further from the equator.

Type 2 diabetes is more common and is often linked to lifestyle and health factors. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or stops producing enough of it.

• Being overweight, not getting enough physical activity, or eating an unhealthy diet can all raise your risk. Other factors, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or taking certain long-term medicines, can also play a part.
• People over 40, those from South Asian, Black African, or African Caribbean backgrounds, and women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form, accounting for around 90% of all diabetes cases in the UK [9].

Diabetes is usually diagnosed with a blood test that checks how your body manages sugar (glucose). Your GP may use one or more different tests to confirm whether you have diabetes, prediabetes, or normal blood sugar levels. These tests are also used to monitor people at higher risk of developing diabetes.

The oral glucose tolerance test is often used to diagnose gestational diabetes during pregnancy [10]. It helps your GP see how your body handles sugar before and after drinking a glucose solution.

If your doctor thinks you might have type 1 diabetes, they may also check your urine for glucose or ketones. The presence of ketones can show that your body is not producing enough insulin to control blood sugar levels properly.

If your results suggest diabetes or prediabetes, your GP will discuss what they mean and explain what happens next. You may need follow-up tests or advice on lifestyle changes, medication, or ongoing monitoring to help manage your blood sugar safely.

The way diabetes is treated depends on whether you have type 1 or type 2. Both types need ongoing management to control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of complications.

Summary of diabetes treatments

Treating type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is managed with insulin to replace the hormone your body no longer produces. Your healthcare team will help you calculate your insulin doses, check your blood sugar and recognise signs of low blood sugar (known as hypoglycaemia). You’ll also learn how to treat a hypo quickly and safely.

Insulin can be taken as daily injections using a pen or syringe, or through an insulin pump. Pumps deliver a steady supply of insulin, and some connect to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that automatically adjust doses. This setup is called a hybrid closed loop system.

Alongside insulin, you’ll need to check your blood glucose regularly and count the carbohydrates in your meals and drinks so your insulin doses match what you eat.

Regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels

The NHS recommends checking your blood sugar at least four times a day (five times for children) [11], including before meals and at bedtime. You might need to test more often when you’re unwell, exercising or drinking alcohol.

• Blood glucose monitor
• Diabetes lancets
• Test strips

Many people are eligible for continuous glucose monitors on the NHS [12], which make tracking sugar levels easier and reduce the need for finger-prick testing.

Carbohydrate counting

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which affects your blood sugar levels. Learning to count carbohydrates helps you match your insulin doses more accurately and keep your levels stable throughout the day.

Treating type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is often managed first through healthy lifestyle changes to improve blood sugar control and overall wellbeing. If these changes aren’t enough, medication may be prescribed to help manage glucose levels.

Lifestyle changes for type 2 diabetes

These steps can help lower blood sugar and, in some cases, return it to a normal range. They can also prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Medicines for type 2 diabetes

Metformin is usually the first medicine prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by improving how your body responds to insulin. If metformin isn’t enough on its own, your healthcare provider may recommend insulin or other medicines such as Ozempic.

Metformin and insulin can also be used to manage gestational diabetes if lifestyle measures alone don’t control blood sugar effectively.

The side effects of diabetes medicines depend on the type of treatment you take. Many people experience mild symptoms such as stomach upset, low blood sugar or changes in weight. These effects can often be eased by adjusting your diet, exercise routine or by changing your medication under medical guidance.

If you notice any side effects, especially new or worsening symptoms, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes nurse. Never stop or change your medication without professional advice.

Below we answer your most commonly asked questions about diabetes:

Can Weight Loss Medication Help Treat Diabetes?

Some medicines developed for type 2 diabetes can also support weight loss. These are called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 medicines. They work by copying a natural hormone released after eating, helping you feel full for longer, manage appetite and control blood sugar levels. A newer option, tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro), targets an additional hormone that helps regulate appetite and glucose. Although they are often called weight loss injections in the media, not all GLP-1 medicines are approved for this purpose.

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has licensed several GLP-1 medicines, including semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), liraglutide, exenatide (Bydureon) and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Being licensed means that a medicine has been carefully reviewed for specific approved uses. The MHRA has not assessed these medicines for unapproved uses, such as weight loss for cosmetic reasons.

GLP-1 Medicines and their approved uses

GLP-1 medicines can be prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management in people who meet certain health criteria.

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – A weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also approved on the NHS for weight loss in eligible adults.
• Wegovy (semaglutide) – A weekly injection licensed for weight loss in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have weight-related health conditions. It is also approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in these groups.
• Ozempic (semaglutide) – A weekly injection licensed only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
• Rybelsus (semaglutide) – A daily tablet for type 2 diabetes management.
• Saxenda (liraglutide) – A daily injection for weight management in people who meet specific eligibility criteria.
• Bydureon (exenatide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) – Weekly injections prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Although many GLP-1 medicines are given as injections, they are not the same as insulin.

^{*Wegovy can also help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain patients.}

^{†Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist.}

Prescription and Safety Information

All GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only. They must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional after an appropriate medical consultation. NHS access depends on eligibility and local criteria, while private prescriptions follow the same medical checks and require approval from a prescriber.

You should never buy these medicines from unregulated sources such as social media, beauty salons or unauthorised websites. Counterfeit and unsafe versions exist and can be harmful. Genuine GLP-1 medicines are supplied as pre-filled injection pens. If you see powders for mixing or suspicious packaging, they are not genuine. Always obtain your medicine from a registered pharmacy and check the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to verify that the pharmacy is legitimate.

Why does diabetes affect your feet?

Diabetes can cause problems with blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet and legs (diabetic neuropathy) [13]. This happens when high blood sugar levels affect the blood vessels and nerves over time. Poor circulation makes it harder for cuts or sores to heal and can lead to pain or swelling. Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can cause tingling, burning or numbness, meaning you might not feel an injury straight away. Because of this, even small cuts or blisters can become infected. It’s important to check your feet every day and get any issues treated quickly to prevent complications.

Can you use Footner socks if you have diabetes?

No, it’s not recommended to use Footner socks if you have diabetes. These exfoliating socks can sometimes irritate or damage the skin, which may lead to complications if you have reduced sensation or circulation in your feet. If you have diabetes and want to try a new foot care treatment, it’s best to speak to your doctor or podiatrist first. They can help you find a safe and suitable option for your needs.

What is a diabetes sweetener?

A diabetes sweetener is a sugar substitute that helps people manage their blood sugar levels without adding extra calories [14]. These include artificial options like Canderel, Splenda and Sweetex, which are considered safe for people with diabetes when used sensibly. There are also natural alternatives, such as Stevia, which come from plant extracts and contain no calories. Using these sweeteners can make it easier to enjoy sweetness while keeping blood sugar under control.

What is a ketone strip?

Ketone strips are simple testing tools used to check for ketones in your blood or urine. Ketones are chemicals your body makes when it starts breaking down fat for energy instead of using glucose [15]. High levels of ketones can mean that your body does not have enough insulin, which can increase the risk of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). You can test for ketones either by using a finger-prick blood sample or by passing urine over a test strip and checking the colour change.

What is continuous glucose monitoring?

Continuous glucose monitoring, often called CGM, is a way to keep track of your blood sugar levels all day and night without needing frequent finger-prick tests.

• A tiny sensor is placed just under your skin, usually on your arm, and it can stay there for up to 14 days.
• The sensor measures your glucose levels and sends the information straight to your phone or reader.
• Devices such as the FreeStyle Libre 2 can also alert you if your blood sugar goes too high or too low, or if there is a connection issue.
• CGM can be used by people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage their condition more easily and accurately.

How can I check my blood sugar without finger pricking?

You can keep track of your blood sugar using a flash glucose monitor. This small sensor sits on your skin and measures the glucose levels in the fluid just under it, known as interstitial fluid, rather than using a blood sample from your finger. The readings may take a little longer to show changes after eating or physical activity, but it's a simple and less painful way to monitor your glucose if you prefer to avoid finger pricks.

What is the best blood sugar monitor?

The right blood sugar monitor for you depends on your daily routine, comfort level, and how you prefer to check your glucose. Traditional finger-prick monitors are reliable but involve taking small blood samples several times a day. Newer, minimally invasive devices can scan your skin to give near-instant readings, although their sensors can sometimes be less consistent. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) track your glucose levels automatically throughout the day and night, offering real-time data with very little effort.

What is the best time to check blood sugar?

For the most accurate results, check your blood sugar before meals, after exercise, and before going to bed [16]. A fasting reading, taken before eating or drinking in the morning, gives a clear picture of your baseline glucose level. If you’re testing after a meal, it’s best to wait around two hours to see how your body has responded to the food.

At UK Meds, we take great care to provide accurate, trustworthy and up-to-date information about health, wellbeing and medical treatments. Our approach follows strict quality standards set out in our Editorial Policy and Content Policy.

All our articles are regularly reviewed by qualified professionals and updated when needed to make sure the information you read reflects the latest medical guidance. This helps you make confident, informed decisions before starting an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber for any treatment you may require.

However, the content on our website should never replace advice from a medical professional. Always speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare provider before starting any new medicine or making changes that could affect your health or lifestyle.

Page last updated: 12th November 2025

• [1] Diabetes UK - Statistics - Find out how many people in the UK live with diabetes and why understanding these numbers helps improve care and awareness.
• [2] WHO - Diabetes Fact Sheet - A global summary explaining what diabetes is, its main types, and how it affects people around the world.
• [3] Mayo Clinic - Diabetes Symptoms and Causes - Learn what causes diabetes, the main warning signs, and how it can be managed.
• [4] NHS - Diabetes Overview - A clear guide to what diabetes is, including how it’s diagnosed and treated in the UK.
• [5] NHS - Type 1 Diabetes - Explains what Type 1 diabetes is, how it develops, and how people manage it with insulin and daily care.
• [6] NHS - Type 2 Diabetes - Details the causes, risks, and treatment options for the most common form of diabetes.
• [7] NHS - Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms - Helps you recognise the early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes so treatment can start quickly.
• [8] NHS - Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms - Lists common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and explains when to see a doctor.
• [9] NICE CKS - Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence - Provides information about how common Type 2 diabetes is and the groups most affected in the UK.
• [10] NHS - Gestational Diabetes - Explains diabetes that can develop during pregnancy and how to keep both mum and baby healthy.
• [11] NHS - Living with Type 1 Diabetes - Offers advice on how to live well and stay healthy with Type 1 diabetes.
• [12] NHS - Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Hybrid Closed Loop - Learn about modern diabetes technology that helps manage blood sugar automatically.
• [13] NIDDK - Preventing Foot Problems with Diabetes - Explains how diabetes can affect your feet and what steps to take to prevent serious issues.
• [14] PubMed Central - Diabetes Research Overview - A scientific article explaining the different types of diabetes and how it impacts global health.
• [15] NCBI Bookshelf - Diabetes Review - A detailed medical overview of diabetes covering causes, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
• [16] NICE - Checking Your Own Blood Glucose - Guidance on how to check your blood sugar safely and what healthy glucose levels should look like.

• What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes? - This article explains the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, helping you understand how each affects your body.
• Type 2 Diabetes Treatment and Testing Guide - A comprehensive guide on how Type 2 diabetes is managed, including testing and treatment options available.
• Do I Have Diabetes? Quiz - A simple quiz to help you identify if you might have diabetes and need to see a doctor.
• Guide to Ozempic for Diabetes - Learn how Ozempic helps manage Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.
• What Are the Different Types of Diabetes Medication? - An overview of the various medications used to manage diabetes and how they work in the body.
• New Year's Resolution: Managing Your Diabetes - Helpful tips for making and keeping resolutions to better manage your diabetes in the new year.
• Guide to Prediabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments - Find out what prediabetes is, its symptoms, and how you can prevent it from turning into Type 2 diabetes.
• Metformin for Diabetes and Weight Loss - Understand how Metformin can help manage Type 2 diabetes and also aid in weight loss.
• Doctor’s Corner: Your Questions About Metformin Answered By a Doctor - A doctor answers common questions about Metformin, its uses, and potential side effects.
• Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme - Learn about the NHS programme designed to help people prevent Type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes.
• Metformin for Weight Loss - Discover how Metformin can help with weight loss, particularly in people with Type 2 diabetes.
• Can You Take Ozempic Injections with Other Medications? - Find out if it’s safe to take Ozempic alongside other common medications for diabetes or health issues.
• Nature’s Ozempic: Facts about Berberine - Learn about Berberine, a natural alternative to Ozempic that may have similar benefits for controlling blood sugar levels.
• Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is Better? - Compare Mounjaro and Ozempic, two popular medications for managing Type 2 diabetes, to see which might work best for you.
• Who is Mounjaro Suitable For? - Find out if Mounjaro is a suitable treatment for your Type 2 diabetes based on your health needs.
• How Long Do Mounjaro Side Effects Last? - Learn about the potential side effects of Mounjaro and how long they may last during treatment.
• MHRA Approval: Mounjaro - Find out about the approval process of Mounjaro by the MHRA and its safety for use in the UK.
• Do You Need a Prescription for Mounjaro? - Get information on whether a prescription is required to start using Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
• Wegovy Prescription Requirements in the UK - Learn about the prescription requirements for Wegovy in the UK and how to access this medication.
• Wegovy Interactions with Other Medications - Understand how Wegovy interacts with other medications you might be taking and any potential risks.
• Who is Wegovy Suitable For? - Discover if Wegovy is the right treatment for managing your weight and Type 2 diabetes.
• Mounjaro Prescription Requirements in the UK - Get the details on how to obtain Mounjaro in the UK, including any prescription requirements.
• Pancake Day on GLP-1 Medications and Diabetic Pancake Recipes - Celebrate Pancake Day with delicious diabetic-friendly recipes for those on GLP-1 medications.
• Metformin Prescription Requirements in the UK - Find out who can be prescribed metformin in the UK, the legal and clinical criteria and how your GP or independent prescriber assesses it.