Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes less responsive to insulin or cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Management includes appropriate medication, healthy eating, physical activity and regular monitoring. Treatment aims to control blood glucose and reduce long-term complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.
Long-standing diabetes can affect the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Regular screening helps identify complications before they become severe. Assessment may include kidney function tests, urine albumin measurements, retinal examinations and foot assessments, with further investigations selected according to individual risk.
Diabetes during pregnancy requires careful monitoring because elevated blood glucose can affect both maternal and fetal health. Management may involve dietary planning, blood glucose monitoring, medication or insulin treatment. Coordination between diabetes and obstetric specialists supports appropriate pregnancy care and delivery planning.
Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose first identified during pregnancy that does not meet the criteria for pre-existing diabetes. Treatment commonly includes nutrition guidance, physical activity, glucose monitoring and medication when needed. Follow-up after delivery is important because future type 2 diabetes risk may be increased.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include tiredness, weight gain, cold intolerance and constipation. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and thyroid function tests. Treatment commonly involves thyroid hormone replacement with monitoring to maintain an appropriate dose.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when excessive thyroid hormone is produced, potentially causing palpitations, weight loss, sweating or tremors. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine or surgical referral. Thyroid function monitoring is important during treatment.
Obesity is a chronic condition associated with increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other complications. Medical management includes assessment of metabolic health, nutrition, physical activity and possible contributing conditions. Appropriate patients may benefit from prescription weight-management medications or referral for specialised treatment.
Blood glucose monitoring helps assess diabetes control and guide treatment adjustments. Depending on the patient, monitoring may involve finger-prick testing, laboratory HbA1c measurements or continuous glucose monitoring. The recommended method and frequency depend on medication, risk of hypoglycaemia and individual treatment goals.
Diabetes medication management involves selecting and adjusting medicines according to blood glucose, kidney function, cardiovascular risk and other medical conditions. Available treatments include several classes of oral and injectable medication. Regular follow-up helps assess effectiveness, adverse effects and the need for treatment changes.
Thyroid disorder evaluation investigates symptoms and abnormalities involving thyroid hormone production or thyroid gland structure. Assessment may include TSH, thyroid hormone tests and imaging when indicated. Management depends on whether the condition involves underactivity, overactivity, inflammation, nodules or another thyroid problem.