How to live a full life with diabetes

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Gilda

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Edited on 31/07/2016 at 11:34

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Gilda

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Last activity on 03/02/2023 at 15:26

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With the right management, people with diabetes can have a healthy lifespan

Anna Magee, Telegraph Health Features Editor says:

Millions of people in the UK live with diabetes, but if you’ve just been diagnosed – or you think you might be at risk – there’s good news. With the right annual checks, lifestyle and, for some people, medication, there is no reason why people with diabetes can’t live a long and healthy life.

First, a few simple tests with your GP, which are also provided by some pharmacies, can help detect type 2 diabetes and help ensure you receive early care, and second, diabetes is one area where a healthy diet and exercise can make all the difference to risk.

The two types

Each time you eat, your body breaks down food, and glucose is released into the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone the body makes to process that glucose and deliver it to all cells including muscles and liver.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin but not enough, or when the insulin it produces doesn’t do its job.

Type 1 diabetes, which is much less common, develops when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas stop working. It usually strikes before 40 and can’t be prevented. People with type 1 need insulin injections for life.

Are you at risk?

If you have a parent or siblings with type 2 diabetes or are overweight, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms to watch out for and to talk to your GP or pharmacist about your risk of developing the disease.

There are other risk factors. For anyone over 40 and with risk factors, an annual test for type 2 is a good idea.

According to Diabetes UK, 80 per cent of cases of pre-diabetes can be prevented from becoming type 2 with diet and lifestyle changes.

Managing type 2 diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, make sure you get the right checks to avoid complications. They can be serious but are largely preventable with regular checks of blood pressure, blood glucose levels, cholesterol and kidney function, eye screening and leg and foot checks.

A Mediterranean diet could reduce risk of developing diabetes

Diabetes UK states that in the past decade cases of type 2 diabetes have increased by 65 per cent and one of the causes is the increase in our waistlines.

The upside is that by losing five to 15 per cent of body weight an overweight person can dramatically lower their risk of going on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Likewise, weight loss can make a big difference to those already diagnosed. There’s no need to starve.Research published in the British Medical Journal showed a Mediterranean diet of lowered red meat intake and more fruits, chicken vegetables, fish and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, olives and nuts could reduce risk of developing diabetes.

One study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that a Mediterranean diet was better at controlling type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet.

Exercise has been shown to help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in those with diabetes. A large-scale study published in May analysed data over 20 years from more than 4,000 people and found that those who did cardiovascular exercise five times a week for 30 minutes a day had the lowest risk of developing type 2.5

Angela chalmers, Boots pharmacist, says:

Whether it’s in magazines, on the radio or when chatting with friends, diabetes is a widely discussed subject, which is no surprise as around four million people in the UK suffer from it.

As a Boots pharmacist I speak to so many people who still find it a very confusing topic and are unsure about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Most people suffer from type 2, which can be prevented if you have a healthy lifestyle. Only about 10 per cent have type 1, which tends to be genetic.

Ask your local pharmacist

Your Boots pharmacist can help with advice if you or a member of your family is diagnosed with diabetes.

A healthy diet and lifestyle will help manage symptoms

We can advise on managing medication and which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you to buy. We can chat through your symptoms and suggest seeing your GP if needed.

I speak to a lot of people who are worried they might have diabetes. In fact more than half a million people in the UK suffer from it and haven’t been diagnosed.

If you’re worried, pharmacists, including those at Boots, can tell you which symptoms to watch for.

These can include: urinating more than usual (especially at night), being really thirsty, feeling more tired, losing weight without trying to, genital itching or thrush, blurred vision and cuts and wounds taking longer to heal.

Nutrition matters

We can also give nutritional and lifestyle advice, to help prevent type 2 diabetes developing. Your local Boots pharmacist can provide healthy eating advice, from helping ensure you get your five-a-day, to eating lower-GI carbs to keep blood sugar stable and helping to keep cholestrol in check.

They can also support you with choices around safer alcohol consumption and stopping smoking as well as tips on getting more active.

For those who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a healthy diet and lifestyle will help manage symptoms, and your local Boots pharmacist will be able to suggest helpful changes.

They can also advise on the different products available to help you manage your diabetes, such as blood-pressure monitors, circulation boosters, blood glucose monitors and test strips.

The best thing is to prevent where possible. We can guide you on how to do this by losing weight, reducing sugar intake, exercising more and cutting down or giving up smoking.

To find out more about managing diabetes, visit Boots.com, where you’ll also find our online diabetes shop with details of helpful products

Telegraph

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Unregistered member

01/07/2016 at 16:12

I had a sudden up surge in my blood sugar readings about a week ago and did the best I can with using a more insulin from 36 to 40and used a higher dose of Metformin which increases acid in my stomach I have Fibromialgia and could not take that medication.I was concerned that I would cease up which I did and took them this morning my walking is getting better but still have the acid.

My husband spoke to my GP but they dont really know anything much and I speak from experience my GP told me to stop the Met formin because I could not tolerate the 2000mg daily am currently on 1000mg daily.

I think the reason for this last upset was the referendum and I do get more upset than I used to.

I have been discharged from a program some years ago but the GPs dont know how to handle this.

Love Hello Dolly 68

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-01 16:12:28

JazzyC

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03/07/2016 at 15:37

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JazzyC

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Last activity on 04/05/2024 at 07:55

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293 comments posted | 37 in the Research and useful tips - Type 2 Diabetes group

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I have not been on Insulin for long and still getting used to it .Diabetes is a bit better but still got problems with my left foot .Started getting tingling in right hand and forefinger quite painful .Must try and get an appointment at Doctors if I can

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Janet Collins

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-03 15:37:50

robjmckinney

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11/07/2016 at 17:05

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robjmckinney

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Least we forget 50% of Diabetes 2 sufferers are not overweight and don't have diet issues. But all us other fatties have no excuse and weight loss can really make a change us for the better, which includes lifestyle changes!

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robjmckinney

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-11 17:05:02

Unregistered member

18/07/2016 at 15:30

Something I have discovered with my Diabetes that my sugar plays havoc if I get upset, bad news, or get angry I try not to but this is life. I do gardening when I can and it help my head with thoughts but does my body not much good.

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-18 15:30:57

JazzyC

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19/07/2016 at 07:00

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JazzyC

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Last activity on 04/05/2024 at 07:55

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I found the same when I get stressed or over tired .I do card making or writing along with breathing exercises and that usually helps .My daughter has fibromyalgia soI have some idea of what you are going through , take care .

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Janet Collins

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-19 07:00:49

Lillymum

25/07/2016 at 14:50

Lillymum

Last activity on 08/08/2016 at 19:41

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Hello everyone, I'm on my second week of Glicozides, 40mgs each morning to start off with, along with 2 Metformin.

Since start the Glicozides I'm experiencing sickness and feeling extre tired, I've also started with a very painful tight Foreskin which my Dr thinks could be thrush, and I have thrush under my armpits and jock area. But embarrassing but I just want feedback that maybe helpful for me to try and get myself back to someone who enjoys all the things life as to offer.

many thanks to all xx

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-25 14:50:10

robjmckinney

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26/07/2016 at 10:51

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robjmckinney

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Last activity on 18/05/2025 at 16:11

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I took Gliclazide for years with no such side effects but there are rare skin reactions listed, perhaps you may want to try alternatives if you fall into this group.

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robjmckinney

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-26 10:51:06

Unregistered member

26/07/2016 at 23:05

I have a skin condition that is dry and flaky in winter and in summer my skin has raised patches (arms & elbows) at present and moves around my body. In summer its more troublesome because I have to wear long sleeves and in the car the sun must not be on me at all, I take Metformin Amytrip and Carbamazepine,I am not sure if this is the cause but I have had it for as long as I can remember when I visited hot climates I had to stay indoors. What I am wondering why when I when I want to sleep my arms itch I have tried every thin non perfumed cream and still its itchy. any suggestions welcome. Doctors dont know and wish I would go away.Thanks all I think you are all greatxx

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-26 23:05:05

robjmckinney

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27/07/2016 at 10:36

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robjmckinney

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Last activity on 18/05/2025 at 16:11

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E45 seems to be standard issue for diabetics with dry skin, a common complaint for us. But you do take medicines outside of diabetes so everything you do should be done through your GP advice. One of the drugs you do take does affect you in sunlight and does advise you to stay out of the sun, GP advice is the only solution!

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robjmckinney

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-27 10:36:56

JazzyC

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28/07/2016 at 06:54

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JazzyC

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I Have a similar problem mainly on my feet and was given a cream called flexitol which was easing it a bit .For some reason though I can't get it at the moment , I have tried numerous chemists , my doctor has tried getting it for me but no luck . It is so frustrating as the problem is now back to the extent that it is painful to just put shoes on

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Janet Collins

How to live a full life with diabetes https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-type-2-diabetes/how-to-live-a-full-life-with-diabetes-1155 2016-07-28 06:54:47

How to live a full life with diabetes

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