Managing Chronic Conditions
DIABETES
Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.
There are two main types of diabetes, which are explained below and in the videos above:
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Type I diabetes
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Type II diabetes
Normally, the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves any glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy. However, in people with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or because the insulin that is there does not work properly.
Our Specialist Diabetic Nurse will provide you with support, regular reviews and the day-to-day care of your needs.
All diabetic patients are entitled to an annual review. The Practice will normally contact you if yours is due. The review takes place in two parts – a data collection appointment and where appropriate, a follow up care plan appointment. If you feel you have been missed, or require a more urgent review, then please contact the Practice to arrange an appointment.
At the initial appointment, your blood pressure, weight, urine, feet and well-being will be checked. It is necessary for you to bring an early morning urine sample with you. Following your initial appointment, a care plan will be put in place for you and if necessary, an appointment with your GP or a referral to one of our specialist nurses will be arranged.
You will also be eligible for an Annual Foot Check with our community Podiatrist. This will be arranged automatically during your Diabetic Review or by one of our reception team through a telephone call, letter or text message.
For more information please visit the website below:
CHRONIC HEART DISEASE
Angina
The most common symptoms of coronary heart disease (CHD) are chest pains (angina) and a heart attack. You can also experience other symptoms, such as palpitations and unusual breathlessness. In some cases, people may not show any symptoms before they are diagnosed.
If your coronary arteries become partially blocked, it can cause chest pain (angina). This can be a mild, uncomfortable feeling similar to indigestion. However, a severe angina attack can cause a painful feeling of heaviness or tightness, usually within the centre of the chest, which may then spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
Angina attacks are often triggered by physical activity or stressful situations. Although symptoms of Angina usually pass within 10 minutes, you can alleviate the symptoms by resting or using a nitrate tablet or spray.
Heart attacks
If your arteries become completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Heart attacks can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle and, if not treated straight away, can be fatal.
If you think you are having a heart attack, dial 999 for immediate medical assistance.
Although symptoms can vary, the discomfort or pain of a heart attack is usually similar to that of angina but often more severe. During a heart attack you may also experience the following symptoms:
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Sweating
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Lightheadedness
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Nausea
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Breathlessness
The symptoms of a heart attack can be similar to indigestion. For example, they may include a feeling of heaviness in your chest, a stomach ache or heartburn. However, these symptoms can also be accompanied by a pain that affects the arms (particularly the left arm), the neck and the jaw.
A heart attack can happen at any time, including while you are resting. If heart pains last longer than 15 minutes, it may be the start of a heart attack.
Unlike angina, the symptoms of a heart attack are not usually relieved using a nitrate tablet or spray.
In some cases, you may have a heart attack without any symptoms, called a silent myocardial infarction. This is more common in people with diabetes.
Hypertension
Hypertension relates to High Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, or immediate problems, but it is a major risk factor for developing a serious cardiovascular disease (conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood around the body), such as a stroke or heart diseases.
External Sites
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High Blood Pressure Explained – NHS Choices
What we do for you
We offer annual health reviews for Chronic Heart Disease, you will be notified of an appointment for this. If you have any other queries or feel that you may need to speak to your GP, please contact us to book in an appointment.
RESPIRATORY - ASTHMA/COPD
Our respiratory clinics are primarily intended for patients with Asthma and COPD.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. These are the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal. Our practice nurses have specialist asthma qualifications. During their clinics they monitor your overall condition, offer advice, answer any queries and ensure your treatment is effective.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have trouble breathing in and out. This is referred to as airflow obstruction. Breathing difficulties are caused by long-term damage to the lungs, usually because of smoking.
Asthma and COPD Clinics
We hold clinics to diagnose and to help patients to manage their asthma or COPD. Our specialist nurse will be here to assist you and you are able to book an appointment with her through reception.
We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions at least once a year, depending on the severity of your condition, we may invite you to come to the clinic more often in order to ensure we give you the care you require.
External Links
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NHS Choices – Asthma in adults, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
LEARNING DISABILITIES
A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime. Find out how a learning disability can affect someone and where you can find support.
A learning disability affects the way a person understands information and how they communicate. This means they can have difficulty:
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Understanding new or complex information
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Learning new skills
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Coping independently
Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. It's thought up to 350,000 people have a severe learning disability. This figure is increasing.
We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with a Learning Disability, at least once a year, depending on the severity of your condition, we may invite you to come to the clinic more often in order to ensure we give you the care you require.
Click here for more information
DEMENTIA
If you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP about the early signs of dementia - Our doors are always open!
If someone you know is becoming increasingly forgetful, encourage them to see a GP to talk about the early signs of dementia.
There are other reasons why someone might be experiencing memory loss. However, if dementia is found early, its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.
As you get older, you may find that memory loss becomes a problem. It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, or certain illnesses and medications.
This can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life or is worrying you or someone you know, you should seek help from your GP.
But dementia isn't just about memory loss. It can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave.
It's also important to remember that dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with a Learning Disability, at least once a year, depending on the severity of your condition, we may invite you to come to the clinic more often in order to ensure we give you the care you require.
The Alzheimer's Society is a brilliant Charity that can help and support yourself and/or family members whom are experiencing Dementia.