GETTING YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT
LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat advises on diabetes
FACT: More people than ever have diabetes in the UK with almost 3.7 million* currently diagnosed with the condition.
“Diabetes is on the rise, and we see more and more prescriptions in pharmacy for it,” says Anshu. “Type 2 can be linked to lifestyle – likely to be one reason for the increase – but greater awareness means more people are having regular checks like the Type 2 Diabetes Screening service we offer at LloydsPharmacy.”
FACT: Obesity and being overweight* have been shown to put people at higher risk of developing diabetes.
“Diabetes has been linked to obesity and we can support in making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk,” says Anshu. “If a person comes into pharmacy to ask about weight loss, we’ll also discuss diabetes and suggest a free check.”
10% FACT: of people who have diabetes have Type 1**
“With Type 1, the body is unable to produce insulin so patients will generally require daily injections of it. With Type 2, the body has become resistant to insulin and that’s why sugar levels fluctuate. Type 2 can be managed by taking tablets such a Metformin and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” says Anshu.
FACT: Travelling with diabetes isn’t a problem – just be well prepared!
“Our pharmacists can offer lots of helpful tips. I always advise people to carry a repeat medication slip in case they misplace their tablets,” says Anshu. “We can also make sure a patient’s medication is available in the country they’re travelling to, because it might be sold under a different name.”
FACT: There can be a family link with diabetes.
“It isn’t certain that if a person’s parents have Type 2 diabetes they will get it too,” advises Anshu. “However, they are more at risk so they should be aware of that, have regular Type 2 diabetes screening and think about their lifestyle.”
FACT: Simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, moderating alcohol, drinking lots of water and having plenty of regular exercise will all help cut the risk.,” says Anshu.
FACT: TYPE 2 diagnosis can’t be reversed with lifestyle change, but medication can be reduced.
“If diabetes is well-controlled, medication can be reduced. The aim is to keep sugar levels within range,” advises Anshu. “If a person’s levels are under control then they can sit down with a doctor and one or more medications can be stopped.”