Diabetes and Endocrine Health: GP Reviewed Information
Changes in energy, weight, blood sugar or hormone levels often prompt people to speak with a GP. This section of the AccessGP Knowledge Base summarises routine diabetes care, metabolic health, thyroid symptoms and other hormone-related concerns commonly explored in primary care.
What this diabetes and endocrine health section covers
This section includes GP reviewed summaries of common diabetes and hormone related topics seen in primary care. Articles explain how conditions are diagnosed, which tests are used and how lifestyle and medicines support long term control.
The topics include:
- type 2 diabetes and pre diabetes
- type 1 diabetes in primary care
- HbA1c and blood tests for diabetes
- diabetes reviews, complications and annual checks
- metabolic health, weight and cardiovascular risk
- advice on taking GLP-1 medication safely
- thyroid hormone balance and thyroid function tests
- adrenal and cortisol-related disorders
- raised prolactin and pituitary hormones
Content is for general information and does not replace advice from your usual diabetes or endocrine team.
Common reasons adults seek GP advice for diabetes or hormone concerns
People commonly contact a GP when they notice symptoms or results that might be linked to diabetes or hormone change. Reasons include:
Common reasons include:
- increased thirst, passing urine more often or unexplained tiredness
- a new raised HbA1c or fasting glucose result
- questions about starting or adjusting diabetes medicines
- weight gain around the middle or difficulty losing weight
- feeling cold or low in mood with possible underactive thyroid symptoms
- feeling hot, anxious or having palpitations that may suggest overactive thyroid
- menstrual changes, low libido or fertility concerns that may have a hormonal component
- incidental findings on blood tests such as raised prolactin or cortisol
A GP helps interpret results, considers lifestyle, family history and medicines, and advises whether further tests or specialist referral are needed.
Types of diabetes and endocrine topics explained in this section
Below is an overview of the main topics covered. Each has a dedicated article for deeper detail.
Type 2 diabetes and pre diabetes
Type 2 diabetes and pre diabetes are often identified through routine blood tests. Articles describe symptoms, diagnostic thresholds, lifestyle changes, medicines and how early intervention can reduce long term risk.
Type 1 diabetes in primary care
People with type 1 diabetes are usually under a specialist team, although GPs still support sick day advice, infection management and wider health checks. This topic explains how primary care and specialist care work together.
HbA1c and blood tests for diabetes
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over several months. Content explains how HbA1c is used to diagnose diabetes, monitor control and plan treatment alongside finger prick readings and other tests.
Diabetes reviews, complications and annual checks
Regular reviews help monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, eyes and feet. Articles outline what typically happens at an annual diabetes review and why each test matters.
Metabolic health, weight management and cardiovascular risk
Metabolic health links blood sugar, weight, cholesterol and blood pressure. This section explains how lifestyle factors and medical treatment work together to improve long term health, support weight management and reduce cardiovascular risk in people with or without diabetes.
Taking GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Safely: A GP’s Practical Guide
GLP-1 medications can support weight loss and metabolic health when prescribed safely. This GP written guide explains how they work, what to expect, common side effects and important safety considerations before and during treatment.
Thyroid hormone balance
Thyroid problems can cause tiredness, weight change, mood changes, heat or cold intolerance and changes in heart rate. For specifics on thyroid function tests (TSH, T4 and T3 blood tests), read more here.
Adrenal and cortisol-related disorders
Cortisol plays an important role in regulating energy, blood pressure and the body’s response to stress. This page explains how GPs assess suspected adrenal or cortisol-related disorders, the difference between normal stress responses and rare endocrine conditions, when testing is appropriate, and when referral to endocrinology is needed.
Pituitary hormones and raised prolactin
Raised prolactin and other pituitary hormone abnormalities are sometimes found on routine blood tests. This page outlines common benign causes, how GPs interpret results in context, when repeat testing is advised, and the situations where further investigation or specialist referral may be required.
How a GP assesses diabetes and endocrine concerns in practice
A consultation usually combines a symptom review, examination, discussion of lifestyle and medicines and targeted blood tests. GPs look for patterns over time, previous results, family history and other conditions such as blood pressure or cholesterol. Management focuses on clear explanations, realistic lifestyle plans and selecting medicines that suit individual risk and preference.
Linking diabetes and endocrine health to wider wellbeing checks
Blood sugar and hormone balance affect energy, mood, sleep, weight and heart health. Articles in this hub show how diabetes care, thyroid health and metabolic risk fit into a wider wellbeing plan, including diet, movement, mental health and long term screening.
Your GP may discuss:
- relevant blood tests such as HbA1c and thyroid function
- lifestyle measures to prevent or reverse poorly controlled blood sugar
- cardiovascular risk screening and lipid profiles
When to book a GP appointment about diabetes or hormone health
Consider a GP consultation if:
- you have a raised HbA1c or glucose result and are unsure what it means
- you feel more thirsty, tired or are passing urine more often
- you live with diabetes and want help reviewing your control or medicines
- you have symptoms that may relate to thyroid change, such as weight or mood shift
- you have concerns about metabolic health, cholesterol or blood pressure
- you have been told a hormone level is raised and need help understanding the next steps
A private GP can help interpret your results, arrange repeat or additional tests and plan follow up alongside your usual NHS or specialist care.
If you would like to discuss diabetes or thyroid related symptoms, you can book an online GP appointment with AccessGP.
Last reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GMC registered GP
Updated: 11 December 2025