Diabetes: Test & GP-Guided Treatment in Preston
Increased thirst, hunger, passing urine more often and fatigue are the typical symptoms. A same-day consultation with Dr Faizal gets you a confirmed diagnosis and a management plan, not a form to fill in.
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What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar. Glucose from the food you eat is moved into your cells by a hormone called insulin; when there is not enough insulin, or it stops working properly, blood sugar rises and, over time, affects your health. It is diagnosed with a blood test, most commonly HbA1c, and same-day testing is available at My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston.
Over 5 million people in the UK live with diabetes, and many are still undiagnosed, according to Diabetes UK. The NHS explains it as a condition causing raised blood sugar levels.
You can skip NHS waiting times and get a confirmed diagnosis and treatment on the same day with a GP in Preston. The consultation is thorough and the plan is personalised to you.
Early detection makes a real difference to long-term outcomes.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Last updated: August 2026
Diabetes Symptoms To Know About
Symptoms appear gradually, which makes them easy to miss.
Classic diabetes symptoms
- Extreme thirst, even after drinking plenty of fluids
- Passing urine more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling constantly tired and fatigued
- Blurred vision
- Wounds that heal slowly
- Frequent urinary tract infections, cloudy urine or thrush
Other signs of diabetes to watch for
- Unexplained weight loss, more common in type 1
- Pain, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, which can indicate diabetic neuropathy
- Feeling hungrier than usual
- Dry mouth
- Itching skin
- Feeling sick or vomiting, which can point to a severely high blood sugar level
- Difficulty concentrating and changes in mood
In its early stages, type 2 diabetes often causes no symptoms at all. That makes screening important if diabetes runs in your family, your BMI is over 25, or you have a history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Types of Diabetes
The main types, as described by the NIDDK:
Type 1 diabetes
Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It is not caused by lifestyle or diet.
Type 2 diabetes
The most common type. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, or does not produce enough of it, so blood sugar rises. Being overweight, being over 40, and South Asian or African backgrounds are among the risk factors.
Gestational diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy because of hormonal changes affecting how insulin works. It usually resolves after birth but raises the later risk of type 2. More common in women who are overweight or who had it in a previous pregnancy.
Prediabetes
Blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. It is a warning stage, and can often be reversed with lifestyle changes.
A note on diabetes insipidus. The NHS notes that diabetes insipidus is unrelated to type 1 or type 2. It is a rare condition causing excessive thirst and passing large amounts of urine, and is managed differently.
What Causes Diabetes?
The cause depends on the type.
Type 1
The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is not caused by lifestyle or diet, and nothing you did brings it on.
Type 2
The body becomes resistant to insulin, or stops producing enough of it. Being overweight, being over 40, and South Asian or African backgrounds are among the recognised risk factors.
Gestational
Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect how insulin works. It is more common in women who are overweight and in those who had it in a previous pregnancy.
If you are concerned about your diabetes risk, a private health check gives your GP a full picture of your health and the right next steps. If you cannot attend the clinic, you can book a doctor home visit.
Diabetes Blood Test: How Is It Diagnosed?
A blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Diabetes UK describes the following tests:
| Test | What it involves |
|---|---|
| HbA1c test | Checks your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. No fasting needed. A result of 48 mmol/mol or above indicates diabetes. |
| Random blood glucose test | A sample taken at any time of day. A result of 11.1 mmol/L or above, alongside symptoms, is enough to diagnose diabetes. |
| Fasting blood sugar test | Taken after at least eight hours without food. A fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L or above on two separate occasions indicates diabetes. |
| Glucose tolerance test | Blood is checked while fasting, then two hours after a sugary drink. Mainly used to test for gestational diabetes in pregnancy. |
| Urine test | Detects sugar in the urine, but cannot confirm diabetes on its own or show how severe it is. |
| Home testing kits | Show your blood sugar only at that moment. They cannot formally diagnose diabetes. |
NICE guidance states that HbA1c is the test that should be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes in adults. At My Private Clinic we offer HbA1c as a private diabetes test, with same-day testing and a follow-up 3 to 5 days later where Dr Faizal talks you through the results.
When To See A GP For Diabetes Symptoms?
Book a routine check if
- Your symptoms have lasted more than one or two weeks
- You are overweight and over 40, or over 25 if your background is South Asian, Black African or African-Caribbean
- Diabetes runs in your close family
- You have been told you are prediabetic
- You are pregnant, or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart problems
Seek urgent help if you have
- Sudden confusion, lethargy or drowsiness
- Fast breathing, or breath that smells fruity, which may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis
- High blood sugar that does not respond to treatment
- Severe dehydration and vomiting
If you are experiencing a diabetic emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately.
See Dr Faizal For Other Diabetes Related Conditions
When diabetes is long-standing it can affect other parts of the body. Dr Faizal can assess and support you with:
Diabetic retinopathy
High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
Diabetic neuropathy
Long-term high blood sugar damages the nerves, causing numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Diabetic foot problems
Reduced circulation combined with neuropathy makes injuries to the foot slower and harder to heal.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
A serious condition where a severe lack of insulin causes rapid breakdown of fats. This is a medical emergency.
How Dr Faizal Can Help With Diabetes
Whether you are not yet diagnosed or need better support after diagnosis:
Assess your symptoms
In a 30-minute consultation Dr Faizal takes a full history, listens to your concerns, explains your risk factors and helps you understand what happens next.
Arrange blood screening
Where your symptoms suggest diabetes, an HbA1c test is arranged. A lipid profile or other blood tests can be added if other conditions need ruling out, and he explains the results himself.
Prescribe and refer
Following NICE guidance on diabetes management, Dr Faizal can prescribe diabetes medication or write a referral letter where specialist input is needed.
Guide your self-care
Medication alone does not manage diabetes. You get practical guidance on diet, activity and monitoring so you can make informed decisions day to day.
Following the NICE guidance on initial medicines, Dr Faizal can prescribe or write a referral letter where needed. If weight is a factor, our weight management service and obesity support may help. Other tests such as a lipid profile or wider private blood tests can be arranged to rule out related conditions. Follow-ups can be by video or telephone consultation, and a home visit can be arranged if you cannot attend the clinic.
Your Private GP Preston For Diabetes Management
Dr Faizal Secretary
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. Trained in the UK with a medical degree from the University of Manchester, he holds a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London, is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, and has experience across both NHS and private general practice.
He assesses your symptoms in detail, confirms the diagnosis, and supports you throughout your management. CQC registered · GMC verified · seeing patients in Preston since 2017.
FAQs About Diabetes
What is a normal blood sugar level?
Blood sugar levels between 4 and 6 mmol/L are generally considered normal. Dr Faizal can check your exact numbers with a test and explain what they mean for you.
What foods should diabetics avoid?
Sugary drinks, sweets and fried foods are best limited. Smart, consistent food choices make a real difference to managing blood sugar, and your GP can give practical guidance rather than a generic list.
What is diabetes burnout?
Diabetes burnout is when the daily demands of managing the condition become overwhelming and you disengage from your care. It is common and treatable, and worth raising at your appointment.
Can I live a normal life with type 2 diabetes?
Yes. With the right self-care and ongoing GP support, most people with type 2 diabetes live a full and normal life.
Is 7.8 blood sugar too high?
It can be slightly high depending on when the sample was taken and whether you had eaten. A single reading rarely tells the whole story, so it should be interpreted alongside other results and your symptoms.
What causes low blood sugar without diabetes?
Skipping meals, stress, alcohol and some medical conditions can all lower blood sugar. If it keeps happening, testing can help identify the cause.
What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?
The most common are excessive thirst, passing urine more often, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, increased hunger, dry mouth and itching skin.
Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?
Some people can achieve remission through significant weight loss and dietary change, particularly earlier in the condition. It is not guaranteed, and any plan should be medically supervised.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
A simple blood test will tell you. An HbA1c test is the standard way to diagnose type 2 diabetes in adults and does not require fasting.
Is diabetes a disability?
It can be, where it has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities. Whether it applies to you depends on your individual circumstances.
Can I book a private diabetes test in Preston?
Yes. Same-day private diabetes testing is available at My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston, with no referral needed. If you cannot attend the clinic, a home visit can be arranged.
Why Choose My Private Clinic For Diabetes Test & Management in Preston?
The same GP every time
Dr Secretary assesses and prescribes personally. Not a locum, and not remote.
CQC registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same-day often available
Appointments are frequently available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings and weekends
Mon to Thu 5pm to 8pm, Fri 9am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 1pm.
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Book a private diabetes test in Preston
If you recognise the symptoms, have been told you are at risk, or want better support after a diagnosis, a same-day consultation with Dr Faizal gives you a clear answer and a plan.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
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Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
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