In her fifties, Pamela had cancer and needed part of her pancreas removed. She recovered, but was warned she could develop diabetes.

For years she was fine, so she stopped getting tested. Then, a couple of years ago, she noticed Lloydspharmacy was offering free tests, so she called in.

Pamela’s result was high and her GP confirmed Type 2 diabetes. She needed to make some changes and Lloydspharmacy’s information pack helped.

She didn’t have to alter her diet much and keeps active, monitoring her blood glucose level regularly. “There are a lot of services out there; it’s marvellous how they keep us going,” she says.

When Ruth started feeling unusually thirsty, she knew something was wrong. “I couldn’t drink enough water and I felt really tired.”

She’d heard about Lloydspharmacy’s diabetes tests and called in. “I filled in a form listing the symptoms, and realised I’d ticked quite a few. A scab on my leg wouldn’t heal – that’s a symptom.”

The pharmacist was astonished by Ruth’s results. “She said I should make an appointment with my doctor straight away. I was put onto tablets immediately.”

“When I found out, I felt disappointed,” Ruth said, “but now I know so many other people who’ve got diabetes. It hasn’t restricted their lives and it won’t restrict mine. I’m determined to get control of it!”

Name: Peter Parlett
Age: 55
Occupation: Former soldier
Local Lloydspharmacy: Wallingford-on-Thames

For Peter, the first sign of trouble was the thirst. His wife Gale, a former nurse, recognised this could be a symptom of diabetes and suggested he take the Lloydspharmacy test.

The healthcare assistant who carried out Peter’s test was so surprised by the result that she called the pharmacist, who told Peter to see his doctor as soon as possible. His GP confirmed Type 2 diabetes and prescribed tablets immediately.

“I’ve made some changes to my diet,” said Peter, “and I’m eating more healthily these days. The staff at Lloydspharmacy have been great.”

Peter’s approach to dealing diabetes is simple. “Don’t worry about it. Follow the advice you’re given. And if you think you might have it, get tested!”

Maxine was feeling tired, drinking lots of water at night and waking up needing the toilet. She was also overweight and knew it could cause problems.

She’d heard about Lloydspharmacy’s diabetes tests and decided to go along. “They gave me the finger-prick test,” she says. “The healthcare assistant really made me feel relaxed.”

Maxine’s results suggested diabetes. Her doctor confirmed Type 2 diabetes and prescribed tablets. “I knew I had to lose weight,” she says, “but now I had a real reason to do it.”

So far she’s lost three stone, lowering her blood glucose reading. “You’re at an increased risk if you’re overweight, so think about your diet,” she advises. “If I can do it, you can do it!”