Type 2 Diabetes in Spain: Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-Up
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Type 2 diabetes reviews by video: results, medicines and checks.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes means your blood sugar stays too high. The body still makes insulin, but it works less well and, over time, the pancreas makes less of it. Many people have no symptoms for years. When symptoms appear, they can include:
- Feeling very thirsty and passing more urine, often at night
- Tiredness that does not go away
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and sores that heal slowly
- Repeated infections, such as thrush or urine infections
- Tingling or numbness in the feet
- Losing weight without trying
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can feel heavy, and managing it far from your usual doctor is harder. You are not to blame. Genes, age, weight and sleep all play a part. With a clear plan and regular checks, most people live well with it. Some people, early on, reach remission through weight loss.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests. An HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is in the diabetes range. So is a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or more. Without symptoms, a second test confirms it. The doctor reviews your results, medicines, weight, blood pressure and kidney tests. Care may include:
- A review of your HbA1c, glucose readings and past results, including reports from other countries
- A check of every medicine you take, with any change planned with you, never stopped on your own
- A Weight Optimization consultation: a 30-minute video review of your weight, results and options
- Advice on food, activity and sleep, from a GP with a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition
- A plan for heart and kidney risk: blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney blood and urine tests
- A lab request for tests you can do near you, reviewed at follow-up appointments
- Referral for yearly eye screening, foot checks and in-person care when needed
Medicines, including GLP-1 therapy, are considered only where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. No prescription is promised. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines. Any prescription is a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. A video visit cannot replace a physical exam, eye screening or foot checks.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Type 2 Diabetes
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Low blood sugar with confusion, drowsiness, a seizure or passing out
- Vomiting that will not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down
- Deep or fast breathing, belly pain, or a fruity smell on the breath
- Very high sugar readings with extreme thirst, drowsiness or confusion
- Severe belly pain that does not ease, sometimes spreading to the back
- Chest pain, or sudden weakness, a drooping face or trouble speaking
- A foot wound that is red, hot, swollen, smells or turns black, or comes with fever
- Sudden loss of vision or a curtain over your sight
Frequently asked questions
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
With blood tests. An HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is in the diabetes range. So is a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or more. If you feel well, a second test is usually needed to confirm it. Results just below these lines are called prediabetes; our insulin resistance and prediabetes page explains them.
Can type 2 diabetes be managed online?
Much of it can. By video, the doctor can review results, medicines, weight and goals, and request blood and urine tests. Some care needs a visit in person. That includes yearly eye screening, foot checks and any urgent problem. Blood pressure too, if you cannot check it at home. The plan will say where to get these.
Can I stop my diabetes medicines if I lose weight?
Do not stop or change them on your own. As you lose weight, insulin and sulfonylureas can push your sugar too low. Some medicines also protect the heart and kidneys. Your doctor will plan any change with you, step by step.
Can type 2 diabetes go into remission?
Sometimes. Experts call it remission when HbA1c stays below 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at least three months after stopping glucose-lowering medicines. In trials, weight loss led to remission in many people, but not all. It was more likely early on and without insulin. Remission is not a cure, so yearly checks continue.
Where do GLP-1 medicines fit in type 2 diabetes?
Some GLP-1 medicines, such as semaglutide, are authorised to treat type 2 diabetes. They lower blood sugar and reduce appetite. They are not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Whether one suits you depends on your health, other medicines and risks. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation.
Can I get a prescription for my diabetes medicines in Spain?
It depends on the medicine, your records and a clinical review. Bring your medicine list, recent results and any letters from your doctor at home. If a prescription is right for you, it is a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. No prescription is promised before the review.
Which checks do I need each year?
Most people need HbA1c at least twice a year, and more often if it is above target or treatment has changed. Add kidney blood and urine tests, cholesterol and blood pressure. You also need eye screening and a foot check. These checks continue even if your diabetes goes into remission.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
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