Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
LAC: Examine treatment and support for service users with
physiological disorders
Treatment and Support Available
P3 Explain Treatment and Support Available for Type 2 Diabetes
(Northamptonshire)
Medication – The most commonly prescribed medication for type 2
diabetes is metformin, taken in tablet form, which lowers blood sugar by
decreasing glucose produced by the liver, making the body more sensitive
to insulin. These medications can be prescribed through a doctor's surgery
and dispensed by a pharmacy, with a local one being 3Q pharmacy,
located underneath Albany House Medical Centre in Wellingborough,
which offers the option of a doctor's consultation and prescription. While
metformin is the most commonly used medication, in more severe cases
of type 2 diabetes, insulin is often injected to keep blood glucose levels
within a normal range. Individuals with type 2 diabetes who require an
insulin injection are shown by a doctor how to administer the injection
correctly and safely. This can be done through a doctor's surgery, such as
Albany House Medical Centre, where a doctor will demonstrate the
injection and provide a sharps bin to safely dispose of needles. (O'Neal,
2026) (NHS, 2025) (Diabetes UK, 2025) (Diabetes UK, n.d.).
Surgery – The surgeries associated with type 2 diabetes are metabolic
surgeries, where the surgery aims to treat obesity and/or insulin
resistance. The gastric band is possibly the most common type of
metabolic surgery used, where a band is placed around the stomach,
causing an individual to feel fuller quicker when eating. Secondly, gastric
bypass is also an incredibly common procedure for treating type 2
diabetes, again minimising the stomach by rerouting the digestive
system, creating a feeling of fullness sooner, and fewer calories can be
consumed. Under the NHS, gastric band and bypass surgery are both
available if an individual meets the qualifications, such as a BMI over 35.
These surgeries are carried out in Northampton General Hospital under
the NHS. Alternatively, if an individual does not fully qualify for surgery
under the NHS, or the waiting list is too long, which is currently 18
months, private hospitals offer gastric band or gastric bypass surgery with
lower waiting times but at a cost. Locally, Woodland Hospital in Kettering
offer the surgery from a starting price of £6,900. (Singhal, 2023) (Diabetes
UK, n.d.) (Treat Compare, n.d.) (Sutton, n.d.).
Rehabilitation Programmes – Many lifestyle adjustments need to be
made to appropriately manage type 2 diabetes; the ones offered through
rehabilitation are exercise and diet changes. Health professionals will
Page 1 of 46
,Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
often develop a diet plan, ensuring an individual receives enough
nutrients while still maintaining blood glucose levels in a healthy range.
Alongside this, health professionals may also create an exercise plan,
since one of the main risks for type 2 diabetes is obesity; a way to
manage the condition is often through weight loss and increasing blood
flow. Exercise improves body sensitivity to insulin and lowers the risk of
cardiovascular complications. Wellingborough Diabetes Group offers
monthly sessions for type 2 diabetics, including exercise sessions.
Isebrook Hospital, located in Wellingborough, has a physiotherapy unit,
which an individual can access through a doctor's referral, and it can
provide an exercise plan that best supports the individual and is adapted
based on the individual's abilities. (White, 2026) (Lal, 2025) (John-Chu,
n.d.) (Northamptonshire Carers, n.d.) (NHFT, n.d.).
Complementary Therapies – Complementary therapies can be used to
promote relaxation and positive mental wellbeing. Studies have shown
that yoga and meditation can contribute to naturally lowering blood sugar
and lowering stress, which improves how the body uses insulin. Other less
researched complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, are also used
to treat type 2 diabetes, promoting blood flow. In Northamptonshire,
SamaDosha carries out yoga and meditation sessions to promote health,
either in groups or in one-on-one sessions. They offer a consultation based
on linking a physical disease to the mind at a cost of £60, then offer free
yoga classes based on the condition. (T2D, 2025) (Nall, 2025) (The Global
Diabetes Community, 2023) (Kharag, 2019).
Advice on Lifestyle Changes – Many lifestyle changes have to be made
when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or when labelled as prediabetic.
Such as dietary changes and exercise, but it is also essential to pay
attention to different lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, since
alcohol can lead to dips in blood sugar levels without being aware of it.
Online support groups for type 2 diabetes provided for the East Midlands
area, which includes Northamptonshire, are accessible to all individuals
with the condition and provide opportunities to ask questions and ask for
advice about any concerns. For face-to-face advice, the company
‘DESMOND’ are located in Kettering, Wellingborough, and Northampton.
They focus on educating individuals with type 2 diabetes about how to
manage their health, consisting of nurses, dietitians, and support workers,
and also offering virtual courses. (Desmond, 2020) (Diabetes UK, n.d.).
M3 Assess Treatment and Support Available for Type 2 Diabetes
(Northamptonshire)
Medication – Metformin, as a medication for type 2 diabetes, is intended
to be used as a long-term treatment for managing type 2 diabetes. The
Page 2 of 46
,Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
dosage of metformin differs depending on the age of the individual. A
maximum dosage for an adult is 2,500mg per day, whereas for a child, the
maximum dosage is 2,000mg per day. Metformin comes with short-term
side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite, but the medication can
also have long-term effects such as low levels of the vitamin B12, and if
taken inappropriately/ not as instructed can lead to blood sugar levels
becoming too low. This form of treatment is generally accessible. 3Q
pharmacy, located in Wellingborough, offers a delivery service, meaning
those with limited movement can receive their medication. Similar to
metformin, insulin injections also come with the risk of blood sugar levels
dropping too low, through taking too much insulin. The injection itself, for
certain individuals, may not be an appealing form of treatment due to the
use of needles, especially if the individual has to administer the injection
themselves, meaning the injection may be skipped or done incorrectly. For
those with sensitive skin, the insulin injection can result in irritation
around the area and often become painful for a day or so after the
injection. Insulin injections are often only required in more severe cases of
type 2 diabetes where metformin isn’t enough to manage the condition.
Both these forms of treatment are provided by the NHS, as long as the
individual meets the criteria, so an adult would only have to pay the set
price of £9.90 for their prescriptions. (NHS, 2023) (Wong, 2026) (Diabetes
UK, 2024) (Diabetes UK, n.d.) (Winn, 2025).
Surgery – Gastric bypass has been statistically shown to be significant for
managing type 2 diabetes. 75% of previously type 2 diabetics were
discovered to have their diabetes go into remission after a gastric bypass
surgery, and 60% of those also experienced weight gain while still staying
in remission. Gastric band surgery has a 57% remission rate for type 2
diabetics, but it is still extremely beneficial for weight loss while still
allowing the body to absorb all necessary nutrients. Gastric band surgery,
priced at approximately £7,000, is a cheaper option compared to gastric
bypass, starting at approximately £10,000, making gastric band surgery
more financially accessible. The criteria to receive surgery under the NHS
are very strict due to specific criteria, meaning many people who are type
2 diabetics may not qualify for the surgery through the NHS. Many
surgeries come with a risk of infection where an incision was made to
access internal organs; this is one of the side effects linked to both gastric
bypass and gastric band surgery, meaning the skin around the incision
may become red and irritated, often requiring cream or ointment to treat
the area. (Bailey, 2024) (Kingsley, n.d.) (Biatric Surgical Centre of
Tuscaloosa, 2025) (Tresca, 2025) (Ramsay Healthcare, n.d.).
Rehabilitation Programmes – Diet plans for type 2 diabetes have to be
very specific and tailored appropriately to every individual. For type 2
Page 3 of 46
, Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
diabetics, their diet should not include highly processed foods or those
high in sugar, such as high-carbohydrate foods like bread and potatoes.
Portion control should also be closely watched, especially for type 2
diabetics who are overweight. Diet plans have to be strictly planned to
avoid allergies, food intolerances, and even food preferences. Exercise
plans also have to be specifically tailored to an individual with type 2
diabetes. Exercise contributes to lowering blood glucose levels since
muscles are being used, but if an individual exercises too intensely for
their abilities may raise blood sugar, making it harder for the body to use
insulin cells. Type 2 diabetes can also lead to fatigue, meaning an exercise
plan should be appropriate with timing and not too stressful on the body.
Alongside this, an exercise plan should only include activities the
individual is physically capable of. For example, if the individual is
overweight, they may struggle to jump, so if an exercise plan is not
accommodated specifically to an individual, then it may lead to injury or
reluctance to follow the plan, risking overall health and management of
type 2 diabetes. (Szczerba, 2023) (MaKechnie, 2024) (The Global Diabetes
Community, n.d.) (Diabetes UK, 2024) (Dansinger, 2025).
Complementary Therapies – Yoga helps lower stress levels and blood
pressure for an individual with type 2 diabetes. Yoga doesn’t require much
physical movement or ability, making it accessible to most individuals
with type 2 diabetes, and it is widely offered in many places. Although
they may be time-consuming, they don’t fit with a work-life balance, since
a professional leads most sessions. Meditation can be a lot more self-led,
connecting the mind and the body, and it again helps lower stress levels,
which in turn lowers blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also be
carried out independently since it mostly involves breathing techniques
and relaxation. Meditation and yoga can also be accessed online, so is
open to those who have limited movement. Acupuncture can help manage
stress and mental challenges associated with type 2 diabetes, but holds
little health benefits for controlling blood glucose levels. Acupuncture isn’t
a medically offered treatment typically, so individuals have to access it
privately, which isn’t cost-effective and isn't a widely offered service; the
closest centre to Wellingborough is half an hour away in Northampton.
(Garone, 2025) (Hardy, 2023) (CCS Med, 2025) (Byram Healthcare, 2025)
(Li, 2025) (Barhum, 2020).
Advice on Lifestyle Changes – Advice on lifestyle changes for type 2
diabetes is accessible for all individuals with the condition, whether that’s
through an NHS doctor, which can be accessed through a local doctor's
surgery or pharmacy, or through support groups aimed at people with
type 2 diabetes. The advice can be tailored to an individual's needs, so
they benefit the individual as much as possible. An individual can receive
Page 4 of 46
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
LAC: Examine treatment and support for service users with
physiological disorders
Treatment and Support Available
P3 Explain Treatment and Support Available for Type 2 Diabetes
(Northamptonshire)
Medication – The most commonly prescribed medication for type 2
diabetes is metformin, taken in tablet form, which lowers blood sugar by
decreasing glucose produced by the liver, making the body more sensitive
to insulin. These medications can be prescribed through a doctor's surgery
and dispensed by a pharmacy, with a local one being 3Q pharmacy,
located underneath Albany House Medical Centre in Wellingborough,
which offers the option of a doctor's consultation and prescription. While
metformin is the most commonly used medication, in more severe cases
of type 2 diabetes, insulin is often injected to keep blood glucose levels
within a normal range. Individuals with type 2 diabetes who require an
insulin injection are shown by a doctor how to administer the injection
correctly and safely. This can be done through a doctor's surgery, such as
Albany House Medical Centre, where a doctor will demonstrate the
injection and provide a sharps bin to safely dispose of needles. (O'Neal,
2026) (NHS, 2025) (Diabetes UK, 2025) (Diabetes UK, n.d.).
Surgery – The surgeries associated with type 2 diabetes are metabolic
surgeries, where the surgery aims to treat obesity and/or insulin
resistance. The gastric band is possibly the most common type of
metabolic surgery used, where a band is placed around the stomach,
causing an individual to feel fuller quicker when eating. Secondly, gastric
bypass is also an incredibly common procedure for treating type 2
diabetes, again minimising the stomach by rerouting the digestive
system, creating a feeling of fullness sooner, and fewer calories can be
consumed. Under the NHS, gastric band and bypass surgery are both
available if an individual meets the qualifications, such as a BMI over 35.
These surgeries are carried out in Northampton General Hospital under
the NHS. Alternatively, if an individual does not fully qualify for surgery
under the NHS, or the waiting list is too long, which is currently 18
months, private hospitals offer gastric band or gastric bypass surgery with
lower waiting times but at a cost. Locally, Woodland Hospital in Kettering
offer the surgery from a starting price of £6,900. (Singhal, 2023) (Diabetes
UK, n.d.) (Treat Compare, n.d.) (Sutton, n.d.).
Rehabilitation Programmes – Many lifestyle adjustments need to be
made to appropriately manage type 2 diabetes; the ones offered through
rehabilitation are exercise and diet changes. Health professionals will
Page 1 of 46
,Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
often develop a diet plan, ensuring an individual receives enough
nutrients while still maintaining blood glucose levels in a healthy range.
Alongside this, health professionals may also create an exercise plan,
since one of the main risks for type 2 diabetes is obesity; a way to
manage the condition is often through weight loss and increasing blood
flow. Exercise improves body sensitivity to insulin and lowers the risk of
cardiovascular complications. Wellingborough Diabetes Group offers
monthly sessions for type 2 diabetics, including exercise sessions.
Isebrook Hospital, located in Wellingborough, has a physiotherapy unit,
which an individual can access through a doctor's referral, and it can
provide an exercise plan that best supports the individual and is adapted
based on the individual's abilities. (White, 2026) (Lal, 2025) (John-Chu,
n.d.) (Northamptonshire Carers, n.d.) (NHFT, n.d.).
Complementary Therapies – Complementary therapies can be used to
promote relaxation and positive mental wellbeing. Studies have shown
that yoga and meditation can contribute to naturally lowering blood sugar
and lowering stress, which improves how the body uses insulin. Other less
researched complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, are also used
to treat type 2 diabetes, promoting blood flow. In Northamptonshire,
SamaDosha carries out yoga and meditation sessions to promote health,
either in groups or in one-on-one sessions. They offer a consultation based
on linking a physical disease to the mind at a cost of £60, then offer free
yoga classes based on the condition. (T2D, 2025) (Nall, 2025) (The Global
Diabetes Community, 2023) (Kharag, 2019).
Advice on Lifestyle Changes – Many lifestyle changes have to be made
when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or when labelled as prediabetic.
Such as dietary changes and exercise, but it is also essential to pay
attention to different lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, since
alcohol can lead to dips in blood sugar levels without being aware of it.
Online support groups for type 2 diabetes provided for the East Midlands
area, which includes Northamptonshire, are accessible to all individuals
with the condition and provide opportunities to ask questions and ask for
advice about any concerns. For face-to-face advice, the company
‘DESMOND’ are located in Kettering, Wellingborough, and Northampton.
They focus on educating individuals with type 2 diabetes about how to
manage their health, consisting of nurses, dietitians, and support workers,
and also offering virtual courses. (Desmond, 2020) (Diabetes UK, n.d.).
M3 Assess Treatment and Support Available for Type 2 Diabetes
(Northamptonshire)
Medication – Metformin, as a medication for type 2 diabetes, is intended
to be used as a long-term treatment for managing type 2 diabetes. The
Page 2 of 46
,Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
dosage of metformin differs depending on the age of the individual. A
maximum dosage for an adult is 2,500mg per day, whereas for a child, the
maximum dosage is 2,000mg per day. Metformin comes with short-term
side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite, but the medication can
also have long-term effects such as low levels of the vitamin B12, and if
taken inappropriately/ not as instructed can lead to blood sugar levels
becoming too low. This form of treatment is generally accessible. 3Q
pharmacy, located in Wellingborough, offers a delivery service, meaning
those with limited movement can receive their medication. Similar to
metformin, insulin injections also come with the risk of blood sugar levels
dropping too low, through taking too much insulin. The injection itself, for
certain individuals, may not be an appealing form of treatment due to the
use of needles, especially if the individual has to administer the injection
themselves, meaning the injection may be skipped or done incorrectly. For
those with sensitive skin, the insulin injection can result in irritation
around the area and often become painful for a day or so after the
injection. Insulin injections are often only required in more severe cases of
type 2 diabetes where metformin isn’t enough to manage the condition.
Both these forms of treatment are provided by the NHS, as long as the
individual meets the criteria, so an adult would only have to pay the set
price of £9.90 for their prescriptions. (NHS, 2023) (Wong, 2026) (Diabetes
UK, 2024) (Diabetes UK, n.d.) (Winn, 2025).
Surgery – Gastric bypass has been statistically shown to be significant for
managing type 2 diabetes. 75% of previously type 2 diabetics were
discovered to have their diabetes go into remission after a gastric bypass
surgery, and 60% of those also experienced weight gain while still staying
in remission. Gastric band surgery has a 57% remission rate for type 2
diabetics, but it is still extremely beneficial for weight loss while still
allowing the body to absorb all necessary nutrients. Gastric band surgery,
priced at approximately £7,000, is a cheaper option compared to gastric
bypass, starting at approximately £10,000, making gastric band surgery
more financially accessible. The criteria to receive surgery under the NHS
are very strict due to specific criteria, meaning many people who are type
2 diabetics may not qualify for the surgery through the NHS. Many
surgeries come with a risk of infection where an incision was made to
access internal organs; this is one of the side effects linked to both gastric
bypass and gastric band surgery, meaning the skin around the incision
may become red and irritated, often requiring cream or ointment to treat
the area. (Bailey, 2024) (Kingsley, n.d.) (Biatric Surgical Centre of
Tuscaloosa, 2025) (Tresca, 2025) (Ramsay Healthcare, n.d.).
Rehabilitation Programmes – Diet plans for type 2 diabetes have to be
very specific and tailored appropriately to every individual. For type 2
Page 3 of 46
, Olivia Slade
Unit 14 BTEC National Health and Social Care
diabetics, their diet should not include highly processed foods or those
high in sugar, such as high-carbohydrate foods like bread and potatoes.
Portion control should also be closely watched, especially for type 2
diabetics who are overweight. Diet plans have to be strictly planned to
avoid allergies, food intolerances, and even food preferences. Exercise
plans also have to be specifically tailored to an individual with type 2
diabetes. Exercise contributes to lowering blood glucose levels since
muscles are being used, but if an individual exercises too intensely for
their abilities may raise blood sugar, making it harder for the body to use
insulin cells. Type 2 diabetes can also lead to fatigue, meaning an exercise
plan should be appropriate with timing and not too stressful on the body.
Alongside this, an exercise plan should only include activities the
individual is physically capable of. For example, if the individual is
overweight, they may struggle to jump, so if an exercise plan is not
accommodated specifically to an individual, then it may lead to injury or
reluctance to follow the plan, risking overall health and management of
type 2 diabetes. (Szczerba, 2023) (MaKechnie, 2024) (The Global Diabetes
Community, n.d.) (Diabetes UK, 2024) (Dansinger, 2025).
Complementary Therapies – Yoga helps lower stress levels and blood
pressure for an individual with type 2 diabetes. Yoga doesn’t require much
physical movement or ability, making it accessible to most individuals
with type 2 diabetes, and it is widely offered in many places. Although
they may be time-consuming, they don’t fit with a work-life balance, since
a professional leads most sessions. Meditation can be a lot more self-led,
connecting the mind and the body, and it again helps lower stress levels,
which in turn lowers blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also be
carried out independently since it mostly involves breathing techniques
and relaxation. Meditation and yoga can also be accessed online, so is
open to those who have limited movement. Acupuncture can help manage
stress and mental challenges associated with type 2 diabetes, but holds
little health benefits for controlling blood glucose levels. Acupuncture isn’t
a medically offered treatment typically, so individuals have to access it
privately, which isn’t cost-effective and isn't a widely offered service; the
closest centre to Wellingborough is half an hour away in Northampton.
(Garone, 2025) (Hardy, 2023) (CCS Med, 2025) (Byram Healthcare, 2025)
(Li, 2025) (Barhum, 2020).
Advice on Lifestyle Changes – Advice on lifestyle changes for type 2
diabetes is accessible for all individuals with the condition, whether that’s
through an NHS doctor, which can be accessed through a local doctor's
surgery or pharmacy, or through support groups aimed at people with
type 2 diabetes. The advice can be tailored to an individual's needs, so
they benefit the individual as much as possible. An individual can receive
Page 4 of 46
