Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with persistently elevated blood glucose levels. In the video consultation you receive medical follow-up care and – after a medical assessment – repeat prescriptions for your existing medication, for example metformin. The initial diagnosis and regular physical check-ups still belong in a local practice.

Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.

Overview

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease in which blood glucose levels are persistently elevated. It is caused by a reduced effect of the body's own insulin (insulin resistance), often combined with declining insulin production by the pancreas. The disease usually develops over years and initially causes no symptoms or only unspecific complaints. Left untreated, persistently high blood glucose can damage blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Treatment is based on an adapted diet, regular physical activity and – where necessary – blood-glucose-lowering medication. Many patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes primarily need reliable follow-up care: the regular review of blood glucose and laboratory values as well as repeat prescriptions for their existing medication. This is exactly where the video consultation comes in. After a medical assessment, a private prescription for your ongoing therapy can be issued, for example for oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin. The video consultation complements care by your general practitioner or diabetologist – it does not replace it.

Common causes

Type 2 diabetes develops through an interplay of several factors. Hereditary predisposition plays an important role: if the disease occurs in your family, your own risk is increased. In addition, there are modifiable factors such as excess weight – especially increased abdominal fat –, lack of exercise and an energy-dense, low-fibre diet. Increasing age, high blood pressure, lipid metabolism disorders, smoking and persistent lack of sleep can also promote its development. In women, previous gestational diabetes is considered a risk factor. Certain medications, for example longer-term cortisone treatment, can additionally raise blood glucose. Diabetes is usually preceded by a years-long phase of borderline elevated blood glucose values (prediabetes), which often goes unnoticed. In many cases, an early change in lifestyle can slow progression during this phase.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical advice if you notice persistently increased thirst, frequent urination, marked tiredness, visual disturbances or poorly healing wounds – especially if diabetes runs in your family. If you have known type 2 diabetes, you should consult a doctor if your blood glucose values are repeatedly well above or below your target range, if side effects of your medication occur, or if an acute illness, for example a febrile infection, disrupts your blood glucose control. Warning signs of a severe metabolic derailment are impaired consciousness or confusion, very deep and rapid breathing, an acetone smell on the breath, repeated vomiting, severe dehydration and severe hypoglycaemia with seizures or loss of consciousness. In these cases, call the emergency number 112 immediately. New wounds on the foot, numbness or a sudden deterioration in vision should be examined promptly in a local practice.

Symptoms & Indications

Increased thirst Frequent urination Tiredness and fatigue Visual disturbances Poorly healing wounds Recurrent infections (e.g. urinary tract or skin infections) Dry, itchy skin Unintended weight loss

Treatment Options

Repeat prescription for oral antidiabetic drugs (e.g. metformin) after a medical assessment
Follow-up care for an existing diabetes therapy
Review of blood glucose and laboratory values (e.g. HbA1c)
Advice on diet and physical activity in everyday life
Advice on blood glucose self-monitoring
Recommendation for further specialist or diabetological care where needed

Important Notes

The initial diagnosis of diabetes as well as starting insulin or changing therapy require an examination and laboratory tests in a local practice.
Regular physical check-ups (e.g. eyes, feet, kidney values) cannot be replaced by the video consultation.
In case of impaired consciousness, very deep and rapid breathing, an acetone smell on the breath or severe hypoglycaemia with loss of consciousness, call the emergency number 112 immediately.
A prescription is only issued after an individual medical assessment; there is no entitlement to a specific medication.

HOW IT WORKS

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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my repeat prescription, for example for metformin, online?

If you are already stable on a medication, the doctor will review your situation in the video consultation. After a medical assessment, a private prescription for your existing medication can be issued, for example for oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin. It helps if you have your medication plan and recent laboratory values at hand. There is no entitlement to a prescription; the decision always rests with the treating doctor.

What does the video consultation cost and will my insurance cover it?

Billing is done as a private medical service according to the German fee schedule for physicians (GOÄ). Privately insured patients can usually submit the invoice to their private health insurer; reimbursement depends on the individual tariff. Self-paying patients receive a transparent invoice based on the GOÄ. Patients with statutory insurance can use the service as a self-pay option.

Can type 2 diabetes be diagnosed via video consultation?

A confirmed diagnosis requires laboratory tests such as fasting blood glucose or HbA1c and belongs in a local practice. In the video consultation, however, your symptoms and any existing findings can be medically assessed and the next steps discussed. If diabetes is suspected, a targeted work-up will be recommended to you.

Does the video consultation replace my regular diabetes check-ups?

No. Regular physical examinations – for example of the eyes, feet and kidney values – are important in type 2 diabetes to detect complications early. These examinations can only be carried out in person. The video consultation complements this care, for example with repeat prescriptions, the review of your values and questions between appointments.

I mainly want to lose weight – am I in the right place?

This page is intended for patients with existing type 2 diabetes who need follow-up care or repeat prescriptions for their ongoing therapy. If your primary goal is medically supervised weight reduction, you will find a dedicated service in our weight management section. In type 2 diabetes, weight loss can nevertheless be part of the treatment concept discussed with your doctor.