tackle diabetes

Invest In Your Health

As rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing, you can empower yourself by:

■ Using the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool to find out your risk of developing type 2 diabetes – visit the Diabetes UK website at www. diabetes.org.uk/riskscore

■ Contacting your GP practice as soon as possible if the tool shows you are at moderate or high risk of type 2 diabetes and/or you have possible signs of diabetes. These include tiredness, being very thirsty, needing to pass urine more often and particularly at night, cuts and wounds that don’t heal or repeated infections, blurred vision, weight loss, and unusual rashes or itching.

“You might have a blood test to measure your actual blood glucose,” adds Dr St John. “This will be used to work out if you’re fine, at risk or could be described as ‘pre-diabetic’ or have diabetes.”

It’s important to diagnose it as early as possible because it can get progressively worse if left untreated. You will also be offered routine check-ups to help you to manage your condition safely and improve your quality of life. And as diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss, if you are aged 12 or over, you’ll be offered regular diabetic eye screening which can identify early signs of problems with the eyes.

You’re also more at risk of becoming seriously ill with common viruses and infections, like flu or COVID-19. If you haven’t had your first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine there is still time.

Book now by calling 119 or scan the QR code.

People living with diabetes may also be invited for winter flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as they were last autumn.

Anyone with a learning disability should be included on their GP learning disability register and be offered an Annual Health Check from the age of 14 to identify any problems early.

■ To To hear more from Dr St John, tune into her podcast with Affinity Xtra at: www.YouTube.com/@AffinityXtra

Further information is also available from the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes

Being safe during Ramadan

“Thinking about your health and wellbeing before Ramadan also helps you to enter the holy month in the best possible shape and make positive changes for the future too,” says Dr Salman Waqar, GP and president of the British Islamic Medical Association. “If you have diabetes or another long-term medical condition, please speak to your health professional before Ramadan because not everyone can fast safely.”

Things to discuss include:

■ Whether fasting is safe for you, or you need to change the timing or your type of medication.

■ Healthier and more wholesome food options to eat during Ramadan.

■ Finding a sleeping routine that works for you, so you’re not left struggling to get a good night’s sleep.

■ Quitting smoking – using nicotine patches doesn’t invalidate your fast and can help with cravings during the month and afterwards.

■ Being more active during Ramadan, such as taking an evening walk.