At MIMP, we support people living with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes, including type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes). Our approach is practical, culturally sensitive, and focused on improving long-term health and wellbeing.
We are research-active, helping to bring the latest treatments, technologies, and medicines online for our patients, so you can benefit from cutting-edge NHS care safely.
Meet Our Team
- Dr Almas Agha, GP – supports diabetes management, blood sugar monitoring, lifestyle advice, and starting injectable therapies including insulin.
- Dr Hannah Sweeney, GP – experienced in culturally tailored dietary guidance, diabetes prevention, novel injection therapies, and continuous glucose monitoring.
- David Cheng, Practice Pharmacist
- Nathan Hanna, Practice Nurse – provides follow-up care, lifestyle education, and ongoing support.
We provide clear, personalised advice that respects your culture, language, and lifestyle.
Understanding Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body cannot use insulin properly or produce enough, leading to high blood sugar levels.
People at higher risk include those with:
- Obesity or central fat accumulation
- Family history of diabetes
- Certain ethnic backgrounds (African, Caribbean, South Asian, Middle Eastern)
- Sedentary lifestyle or poor diet
- Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (higher-than-normal blood sugar)
Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes) increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes but can often be reversed through lifestyle changes.
Health Risks
Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can affect:
- Heart and blood vessels (heart disease, stroke)
- Kidneys (diabetic nephropathy)
- Eyes (retinopathy, vision loss)
- Nerves (neuropathy, numbness, pain)
- Feet (ulcers, infection)
Managing blood sugar can reduce these risks and improve energy, mood, and overall health.
Monitoring and Screening
At our practice, we offer:
- Blood sugar testing (HbA1c, fasting glucose)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Kidney function and urine testing
- Foot checks and eye screening referrals
- Support for home blood sugar monitoring
We have experience with continuous glucose monitoring systems such as:
- Freestyle Libre – flash glucose monitoring for easier tracking
- Dexcom – real-time CGM with alerts and trends
CGM helps patients understand their glucose patterns, improve control, and reduce the risk of complications.
Lifestyle and Diet
Healthy eating is practical, not restrictive, and should fit your culture and lifestyle.
Cultural food guidance:
- African and Caribbean: include more vegetables in stews, reduce fried foods and sugary drinks
- Middle Eastern: enjoy wholegrain breads, limit sweet pastries, include vegetables and legumes
- South Asian: increase pulses and vegetables, reduce ghee or coconut oil, limit sugary snacks
Ultra-processed foods (sugary drinks, crisps, ready meals, fast food) should be limited.
Practical meal strategy:
- Drink water first
- Start with salad or vegetables
- Include protein (meat, fish, pulses, eggs)
- Finish with carbohydrates (rice, bread, chapati, yams) in moderation
This helps manage blood sugar, improves satiety, and fits with cultural meals.
Physical Activity
Regular activity helps control blood sugar, weight, and heart health.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling)
- Include strength exercises 2–3 times per week
- Start gradually and choose activities that suit your lifestyle and abilities
Medications and Injectable Therapies
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your expert GPs can prescribe and supervise medications including:
- Oral diabetes medicines (e.g., metformin)
- Insulin therapy – we can start and manage insulin safely
- Novel injection therapies for type 2 diabetes (GLP-1 receptor agonists, other NHS-approved injectable treatments)
All medications are prescribed and monitored under NHS guidance.
We have experts who can initiate and manage these treatments safely, providing education and ongoing follow-up.
We are also research-active, helping to bring the latest evidence-based treatments and digital tools online for patients in Manchester. This includes participating in NHS and academic studies to improve diabetes care.