Over 2 million people in England are living with diabetes. Many more have the condition but don’t know it. Type 1 and type 2 are the most common forms. The causes of both types are different, but both result in too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's failure to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas to help control levels of sugar in the blood. It's sometimes called juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes because it usually appears before the age of 40.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body not producing enough insulin or not using what it produces effectively. It's the most common form and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease. It can be managed effectively and many people with diabetes lead a healthy, active life.

Diabetes can also occur in pregnancy. This is known as gestational diabetes. Some pregnant women have high levels of glucose in their blood because their bodies do not produce enough insulin to meet the extra demands of pregnancy. It affects less than one in 20 pregnant women and usually disappears after birth. Although women with gestational diabetes are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 
 
For general information about all aspects of diabetes click here

For information about diabetes and sport click here

For information about diabetes and travel click here

For a downloadable blood sugar monitorring diary click here

For the latest information on driving and diabetes click here

DIABETIC CHECKS We no longer send appointments for diabetic checks but send you an invitation to book at your own convenience. Please make an appointment for a blood test and a diabetic check, no lees than a week apart. Your diabetic check should be with Sister Kerry, Jean or Louise. If you are having problems, please telephone us.

• 5.4m people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
• 1.1m children in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
• There is a person with asthma in one in five households in the UK.

For more information and about and managing it click here

For a quick easy guide to asthma click here

ASTHMA CHECKS  Asthma checks can be booked with Sister Anna, Sister Sarah or Sister Kerry. If you are having problems please contact the Nurse in the morning on the Triage line.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common form of disease affecting the heart and consequently also known to be an important cause of premature death in the UK.The term describes what happens when your heart`s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.

Over time the walls of your arteries become furred up with fatty deposits known as atheroma. If the coronary arteries become narrow due to a build up of atheroma the blood supply to the heart will be restricted. This can cause angina (chest pains). If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

Angina affects around 1 in 50 people, and is estimated that in the UK there are over a million people with this condition. It affects men more than women, and the chances of getting it increase with age.

Signs and symptoms

CHD may be symptom free but where symptoms are present they can include the following:

·     Shortness of breath

·     Chest pain

·     Angina

·     Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Treatment and prevention

By making some simple lifestyle changes, the chances of getting coronary heart disease can be greatly reduced. These same changes can be adopted to reduce further development and complications of the disease for those already diagnosed.

Basic lifestyle changes:

·     Weight management or weight loss

·     Stopping smoking

·     Regular exercise

·     Eating a healthy balanced diet to include “5 a day” (fruit & veg)

·     Regular check up to assess and if necessary treat high blood cholesterol and blood pressure

Medication

Medicines are also used in the treatment of CHD. They each have their own purpose and are tailored to individual needs. Your GP will discuss this option as necessary.

If you have concerns about heart disease and your risk factors, or you want to make some changes to your lifestyle, please book an appointment with the nurse for a lifestyle check. If you have proven Coronary Heart Disease and need an annual review, this appointment can be made with Sister Jean, Louise or Kerry.

Heart attack – the symptoms

The discomfort or pain experienced during a heart attack can be similar to that of angina or even indigestion BUT is often more severe and last longer.

Symptoms include:

·     Sweating

·     Light-headedness

·     Nausea

·     Short of breath

·     Heaviness in chest

·     Heartburn or stomach ache

A heart attack can occur at any time, even whilst resting.

If any of these symptoms occur lasting longer than 15minutes, then emergency help should be obtained by calling 999