What to ask at your Type 2 Diabetes review (and what your results mean)

These appointments can feel routine, but the information you get is genuinely important if you know what to ask.

1. Ask about your HbA1c result

This test shows your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. It’s usually measured as a percentage or in mmol/mol. You might hear someone say “haemoglobin A1c”, which is the same thing.

Most people are advised to aim for an HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol (6.5%), but your target may be higher or lower depending on your age, overall health, and risk of low blood sugar.

Ask:

• “What was my most recent HbA1c, and what’s my target for the next review?”
• “Have my results changed since last year?”
• “If it’s high, what’s the main reason: diet, medication, or something else?”

Understanding your trend over time is often more useful than a single number.

2. Check your blood pressure and cholesterol

People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, so keeping these numbers in range matters as much as blood glucose.

Ask for your blood pressure reading and what your ideal target should be (this is usually below 140/90mmHg for people with diabetes or below 150/90mmHg if you are aged 80 years or above).

Also ask about your cholesterol results, particularly your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and whether you might benefit from statins.

You can say:

• “Can we go through my blood pressure and cholesterol results?”
• “Are my current medicines keeping them in range?”
• “If they’re high, what can I do differently?”

3. Ask about your kidneys and feet

Diabetes can affect small blood vessels in the kidneys and feet, so both are checked at least once a year.

Kidneys: A urine test (called the albumin-to-creatinine ratio) detects protein leaks, and a blood test assesses kidney function (eGFR).
Feet: A quick check for sensation and circulation helps catch early signs of nerve damage or poor blood flow.

Ask:

• “What were my kidney test results?”
• “Were there any changes from last year?”
• “Do my feet checks show any loss of feeling or circulation problems?”

Catching these early can prevent long-term complications.

4. Review your medicines

Bring a complete list of all medications, including tablets, injections, and supplements, and ask if any adjustments are needed.

Good questions include:

• “Are these medicines still the best option for me?”
• “What side effects should I watch for?”
• “Could I reduce any doses if my results improve?”

If you’ve had any low blood sugar episodes, mention them. Your team can help you balance your medicines more safely.

5. Discuss your weight, activity and diet

Diabetes reviews aren’t only about test results. They’re also a chance to talk about your lifestyle and what feels realistic for you.

You might ask:

• “What kind of physical activity would help me most right now?”
• “Would a referral to a dietitian or structured programme be useful?”
• “How much weight loss would make a real difference to my blood sugar?”

NHS services often offer free, practical guidance that you can access online at any time.

6. Plan the year ahead

Before you leave, make sure you’re clear about:

• When to have your next blood tests
• Who to contact if you notice changes or side effects
• When your next review is booked

You should also be offered a written care plan that summarises your results, targets and agreed next steps. If you haven’t received one, ask for it.

If your diabetes reviews feel overwhelming, then you’re not alone. They can lead to wide-ranging discussions and sometimes include complex medical terms. You can use apps like Mirror to capture what’s said during your appointments, so you can remember what was discussed.

In summary

Your diabetes review is the best time to take stock of how you’re doing, not just with numbers, but also with how you feel day-to-day. Come with questions, ask for your results in plain English, and leave with a clear plan you understand.

It’s your condition, and you deserve to feel informed and in control of it.