Endocrinology · Naas, Co. Kildare

Expert Diabetes Management

Specialist consultant-led care for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including HbA1c optimisation, insulin review, continuous glucose monitoring, and access to the latest evidence-based therapies.

Medically reviewed by Dr Syed Kazmi · IMC 213626 Last reviewed:

What is Diabetes?

Dr Syed Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist at Naas Cardiology & Endocrinology Clinic in Naas, Co. Kildare (IMC 213626), provides specialist assessment and management of this condition. Appointments are available on Saturdays & Sundays at Suite 5, Vista Primary Care Clinic, Ballymore Road, Naas. To book, call 089 656 7597. This condition can also be assessed via an online diabetes consultation. For day-to-day self-care guidance, see our diabetes patient information guide.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is one of the most common long-term conditions managed in specialist endocrinology practice.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It typically presents in childhood or early adulthood and requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of diabetes cases and involves a combination of insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. It is strongly associated with excess weight, physical inactivity, and family history, though it can occur in lean individuals.

HbA1c Diagnostic & Target Thresholds

HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is the primary test used to diagnose diabetes and monitor long-term glucose control. The following thresholds are used in clinical practice:

HbA1c Reference Ranges (IFCC / WHO Criteria)
Category HbA1c mmol/mol HbA1c % Clinical Interpretation
Normal < 42 mmol/mol < 6.0% No diabetes or prediabetes
Prediabetes / At Risk 42–47 mmol/mol 6.0–6.4% Impaired glucose regulation; lifestyle intervention indicated
Diabetes Diagnosis ≥ 48 mmol/mol ≥ 6.5% Diabetes confirmed on two separate occasions
Target (most adults, Type 2) 48–53 mmol/mol 6.5–7.0% Well-controlled; reduces risk of complications
Target (Type 1 / intensive) 48–58 mmol/mol 6.5–7.5% Individualised based on hypoglycaemia risk
Target (frail / elderly) 58–70 mmol/mol 7.5–8.5% Relaxed target to avoid hypoglycaemia
Diabetes Remission < 48 mmol/mol < 6.5% Sustained ≥ 3 months without glucose-lowering medication
This page is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment and management of diabetes.

Recognising the Signs

Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes can include:

  • Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
  • Frequent urination (polyuria)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow wound healing
  • Recurrent infections
  • Tingling or numbness in feet

Many people with Type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at diagnosis, which is why routine screening is important. If you are experiencing any of the above, please speak with your GP.

How We Can Help

Dr Syed Kazmi provides consultant-level diabetes management, offering a comprehensive assessment of glucose control, complications risk, and treatment optimisation.

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HbA1c Optimisation

Detailed review of glycaemic control with personalised HbA1c targets. We balance optimal glucose management with quality of life, avoiding unnecessary hypoglycaemia.

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Insulin Therapy Review

Assessment and adjustment of insulin regimens for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including basal-bolus regimens, pre-mixed insulins, and insulin pump considerations.

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Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Review and interpretation of CGM and flash glucose monitoring (FreeStyle Libre) data. Guidance on time-in-range targets and using technology to improve outcomes.

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Modern Diabetes Therapies

Access to the latest evidence-based treatments including GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, with careful selection based on individual risk profiles.

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Complication Screening

Assessment for microvascular and macrovascular complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy risk stratification.

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Cardiometabolic Risk

Integrated review of cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, lipids, and weight, alongside glucose management for comprehensive metabolic care.

Important notice regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists: Medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland. They must be prescribed by a qualified clinician following a thorough medical assessment and are not suitable for everyone. The information on this page is educational only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement for any specific medication.

Your Consultation

A diabetes consultation at our clinic typically includes a detailed clinical history review, assessment of current blood glucose control and HbA1c trends, medication review, and discussion of lifestyle factors. Where appropriate, we may arrange additional investigations including renal function, lipid profile, and specialist referrals.

We work collaboratively with your GP and any other healthcare professionals involved in your care. A detailed clinic letter is sent to your referring physician following each consultation.

Our clinic is led by Dr Syed Kashif Hussain Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist (IMC: 213626), with dedicated experience in diabetes management across a wide spectrum of complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most adults with Type 2 diabetes, an HbA1c of 48–53 mmol/mol (6.5–7.0%) is considered well-controlled. However, targets are individualised — younger patients with few comorbidities may aim lower, while older patients or those with recurrent hypoglycaemia may have a higher target set. For Type 1 diabetes, a target below 48 mmol/mol is often recommended where safely achievable. Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate target for you.
You should consider specialist review if your HbA1c remains above target despite treatment changes, if you are experiencing frequent hypoglycaemia, if you require insulin initiation or complex regimen adjustment, if you have significant complications or comorbidities, or if your GP feels a specialist opinion would benefit your management. A referral from your GP is the standard pathway.
Yes. Evidence from studies such as the DiRECT trial shows that significant weight loss — particularly through structured low-calorie dietary programmes — can lead to remission of Type 2 diabetes, defined as HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol for at least three months without glucose-lowering medications. Remission is most achievable in those with a shorter duration of diabetes and significant weight to lose. It requires sustained lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring, and is not a cure — the underlying predisposition to Type 2 diabetes remains.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of injectable diabetes medications that mimic the action of a naturally occurring gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. They lower blood glucose by stimulating insulin release in response to meals, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Some agents in this class have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits in large clinical trials. They are prescription-only medicines and their suitability is determined by a clinician following a full assessment. Educational information only — this does not constitute medical advice or a prescribing recommendation.
Insulin is sometimes required in Type 2 diabetes when oral and injectable non-insulin agents are no longer sufficient to maintain adequate glucose control, when there is significant beta-cell failure, during acute illness or surgery, in pregnancy, or when other medications are contraindicated. The decision to commence insulin is based on a full clinical assessment, and there are many modern options including once-daily basal insulins that can be straightforward to manage.
Yes. Dr Kazmi manages Type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes, including complex or hard-to-control cases and suspected LADA. This covers full insulin-regimen review and titration, hypoglycaemia and hypo-awareness assessment, continuous glucose monitor data interpretation, closed-loop and pump input, and coordination of complication screening. Type 1 care is well suited to a mix of in-person review in Naas and follow-up by video, and a clinic letter is sent to your GP after every visit.
Dr Kazmi assesses suitability for insulin pump and hybrid closed-loop therapy, advises on the device options, and explains the funding routes in Ireland including the HSE Long Term Illness scheme and manufacturer pathways. Ongoing pump settings and data can be reviewed at follow-up consultations. Hands-on device initiation and training may require an in-person visit or a local diabetes service, and the practical route for your situation is explained at the consultation.
Your continuous glucose monitor data is reviewed directly by Dr Kazmi. If you share your LibreView or Dexcom Clarity report before the appointment, he reviews your time-in-range, glucose variability, overnight patterns and hypoglycaemia frequency and uses that to adjust insulin or other medication precisely. Reviewing two weeks of recent CGM data is one of the highest-value uses of a video diabetes consultation, and it can be done from anywhere in Ireland.

Ready to Take Control of Your Diabetes?

Book a private consultation with Dr Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist, at our Naas clinic. Self-referral welcome. GP referral preferred.

Book an Appointment GP Referral Information

See a consultant diabetes specialist — in Naas or online, anywhere in Ireland

Dr Kazmi manages Type 1, Type 2 and complex diabetes, insulin and CGM optimisation and GLP-1 therapy, in person at weekends in Naas or by video most weekday evenings, at the same fee.

Diabetes Specialist Ireland →