Hi, sorry. It's my partner. Type 2. He isn't on any meds. The GP just told him to lose weight or he would die!!
OMG that is dreadful, and awful scare tactics.
First of all, you need to know what his diagnostic blood test results were, in detail, and you need a computer print out of them. If you don't ask, you won't get in most cases, so please ask. You are entitled to these, so no need to be afraid of being assertive if necessary. If the print outs aren't immediately to hand, make sure the nurse writes it all down properly and collect the print outs later. It doesn't matter if you don't understand what they mean, you can post them on here and we will tell you.
If the nurse gives him booklets about eating a healthy diet consisting of carbs with every meal, lots of them but swap from white to brown, and low fat is good, take it but bin it on your way home. The first thing you will learn about diabetes is that not only sugary stuff needs to be cut, but also carbohydrates, a scientific fact the NHS hasn't quite grasped yet. All carbs turn to sugar once inside the system, and that includes the wholemeal varieties. I won't burden you with confusing info at the moment, but after your visit you may wish to come back and ask questions about this.
As said above, please ask for a glucose meter and strips on prescription. You may be lucky, but this is unlikely. Most of us type 2's buy our own because they are an essential learning tool as regards what our own bodies can and can't cope with food-wise. More about that when you get one. (You will also need loads of the testing strips)
Ensure he is put on the correct care pathway, which includes a foot check and a retinal eye screening test. Diabetics should have these soon after diagnosis and thereafter after 12 months.
Depending how high his levels are he may be prescribed basic medication. If his levels are reasonable then he may be allowed to try diet and exercise for the first 3 months.
Good luck and ask any questions.