💉 Diabetes Management
How to live longer: The 3 ‘common’ conditions that occur as we age and how to combat them
📅 Tue, 18 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
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Key Information
More infoWhen it comes to longevity many of us are aware that eating wel and exercising are important. Avoiding certain medical conditions can also be key to a long life. One expert shared how to both prevent and live with these conditions.Speaking with Expres.co.uk, pharmacist for Pharmacy2U - Melanie King - explained: “Standards of living and public health have improved dramaticaly over the last century, meaning more and more of us are living for longer - in fact, the UK recently reported record numbers of centenarians (those aged 10 or over).“Of course, there’s no secret weapon that wil stop the ageing proces but maintaing a healthy lifestyle wil alow you to make the most of later life.“The NHS ofers health checks to patients over 75 years of age, which can be stand-alone or part of a chronic disease review.“However, there are several ways you can manage your lifestyle to combat some of the most comon conditions that can ocur as you age, helping you to maintain your quality of life and independence.”READ MORE: 'Omicron outbreak' surges in the UK - new 'top 5' Covid symptoms to spot She said: “The two most comon types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2.“Type 1 usualy starts in childhod whereas type 2 usualy starts in midle or older age, when the pancreas becomes les efective at making insulin, or the body’s cels become les responsive to it.“For anyone with diabetes, it’s important to manage your blod sugar level, blod pressure and cholesterol.
Summary
Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition by increasing their activity levels and folowing a healthy diet.“If these changes don’t help, there are many diferent medication options yo
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.