Diabetes and prediabetes are health conditions that affect how your body regulates blood sugar. At Niva Medical Clinic, based in Stanmore and serving Harrow, Edgware, Wembley, Bushey, Watford, and Northwood, we provide expert screening, diagnosis, and management, along with personalised lifestyle support.
In this post, we explain:
- What diabetes and prediabetes are
- The role of the HbA1c test
- Diet and lifestyle advice based on evidence
- How we help you manage or prevent diabetes
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a long-term condition where your blood sugar levels are too high because your body either:
- Doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 Diabetes), or
- Doesn’t respond effectively to insulin (Type 2 Diabetes)
If unmanaged, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, eye problems, and nerve damage.
🔗 Learn more about diabetes – NHS
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. It’s a critical warning sign that gives you a chance to make changes before diabetes develops.
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), prediabetes (also called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia) is defined by an HbA1c between 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%).
🔗 Understanding prediabetes – Diabetes UK
🔗 NICE guidance on non-diabetic hyperglycaemia
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes can develop gradually, especially in Type 2 Diabetes, meaning many people may not notice symptoms straight away. However, recognising the signs early allows for timely diagnosis and better outcomes.
Typical Symptoms of Diabetes Include:
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Frequent infections (such as thrush or urinary tract infections)
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet (a sign of nerve damage)
Some people with prediabetes or early-stage Type 2 Diabetes may have no obvious symptoms — which is why screening is so important, especially if you have risk factors such as:
- Being over 40 (or over 25 if you’re of South Asian, Black African or Caribbean descent)
- A family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- History of gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
🔗 More about symptoms of diabetes – NHS
What Is HbA1c?
The HbA1c test measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months. It’s a key diagnostic and monitoring tool for both diabetes and prediabetes.
- Normal: below 42 mmol/mol (<6.0%)
- Prediabetes: 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0%–6.4%)
- Diabetes: 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above
At Niva Medical Clinic, we offer on-site HbA1c blood tests with fast turnaround times, often with same-day results.
🔗 Understanding HbA1c – Diabetes UK
🔗 NHS blood sugar level guide
Lifestyle and Diet Advice to Prevent or Manage Diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle change is the most effective intervention.
1. Eat a Balanced, Low-Glycaemic Diet
- Focus on whole grains, legumes, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Avoid sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, and excess carbohydrates
- Follow a Mediterranean-style diet, which is supported by strong evidence for diabetes prevention
🔗 Evidence-based diabetes diet – British Dietetic Association (BDA)
2. Stay Physically Active
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps with weight control.
🔗 Physical activity and diabetes – NHS
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or help put it into remission.
🔗 Weight loss and remission – Diabetes UK
4. Manage Stress and Sleep
Chronic stress and poor sleep quality can increase cortisol and blood sugar levels. At Niva, we also offer mental health support and lifestyle medicine input to address these areas holistically.
How Niva Medical Clinic Can Help
As a private GP clinic in Stanmore, we provide comprehensive care under one roof. Our services include:
Diabetes & Prediabetes Screening
- Same-day appointments
- HbA1c and fasting blood glucose tests on-site
Personalised Diabetes Management Plans
- Medication review and prescription
- Referrals to dietitians, lifestyle coaches, or specialists
- Regular monitoring and follow-up care
Preventative Health Checks
- Annual wellness screenings
- Cholesterol, liver, kidney and thyroid checks
- Blood pressure and BMI reviews
Weight Loss & Lifestyle Medicine Services
- GP-led weight loss support
- Diet, fitness, and motivation coaching
- We offer longer appointment times, continuity of care, and fast access to investigations and results.
We offer longer appointment times, continuity of care, and fast access to investigations and results.
Serving Stanmore, Harrow, Edgware, Wembley & Beyond
Whether you’re concerned about your risk, newly diagnosed, or struggling to control your condition, we are here to help.
We welcome patients from Bushey, Watford, Hatch End, Northwood, and surrounding areas.
Book Your Appointment Today
Take control of your health today with Niva Medical Clinic.
✅ Same-day GP appointments
✅ Blood tests with rapid results
✅ Friendly, experienced GPs focused on you
📍 Visit us in Stanmore
📞 Call us on 020 8865 1938
💻 Book online: https://nivamedicalclinic.co.uk/book-online/
