Latest news with #RoyalCollegeofGeneralPractitioners
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Are YOU in the diabetes danger zone? The string test that reveals key sign – plus how to REVERSE silent killer
IT'S dubbed a silent killer, triggering 568 heart attacks, 812 strokes and 184 amputations each week in England alone. Millions of people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, yet have no clue of the potential deadly timebomb waiting to explode. But how do you know if you're among those on the precipice of a diagnosis? 5 Over 10,000 Brits are living with end-stage kidney failure due to the condition, and it causes thousands more to go blind. Type 2 diabetes also raises the risk of eight different types of cancer. Every two minutes a new case is diagnosed, and a staggering 4.6million Brits have been diagnosed with it - but experts warn 6.3million of us are living in the diabetes 'danger zone'. If this non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, or prediabetes, is left untreated, we could go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Dr David Unwin, a GP in Southport, Merseyside and the Royal College of General Practitioners' clinical expert on diabetes, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'When I trained at university, type 2 diabetes only affected people over 60. 'Sadly that has changed a huge amount in the last 40 years. Now it's not unusual to see patients in their early 20s with diabetes or prediabetes. Tragically, we're even starting to see young children diagnosed. 'That's really worrying, as diabetes damages your arteries over time. 'If you're diagnosed at 70, there's less time for the damage to occur. But if you're diagnosed in your 20s, it will begin earlier. 'Diabetes is shortening lives - through cardiovascular disease, stroke and an increased risk of cancer.' Prediabetes is the period in which blood sugar levels are elevated but full-blown diabetes hasn't yet begun. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes are all dubbed 'silent killers' - should we really be that worried? Esther Walden, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, says if you have this you are at 'high risk' of developing type 2. But Dr Unwin believes knowing this could be 'good news'. 'This is an early warning sign of something that doesn't have to happen,' he says. 'It's a golden opportunity to cut back on foods that raise blood sugar, exercise more and generally be a bit healthier. 'Loud and clear, I want to send a message that warding off this illness isn't necessarily complicated. You can turn your life around.' Many people with prediabetes may not be aware as it's symptomless. But here, Dr Unwin shares some warning signs that may indicate you're one of them. 1. STRING TEST IT'S not just being overweight but the distribution of fat that matters. If you're big around the middle, you're at an increased risk. We call this 'central obesity '. Cut a piece of string to the same length as your height then fold it in half and wrap it around your waist. If the string meets or overlaps, you're off the hook. But if you can't make the ends touch, you're more likely to develop diabetes. 2. ARE YOU TATT? MANY patients think they're tired all the time simply due to getting older. But I would always check for prediabetes as your blood sugar might be too high or low. 3. WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER? 5 BEING diagnosed with high blood pressure - when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is too high - is another risk factor. The NHS defines this as 140/90mmHg when measured by a healthcare professional. You can get yours checked for free at your GP surgery or local pharmacy. HOW TO REVERSE PREDIABETES WHILE Diabetes UK believes around half of prediabetes patients can reduce their risk of developing the disease, Dr Unwin says they have reversed all cases at his surgery. 'We offered 100 patients with prediabetes a low-carb diet at my practice. Two years later, not one had developed diabetes and 93 per cent ended up with normal blood sugar, reversing this prediabetes just by making a few lifestyle changes,' he says. 'Many also lost weight, their blood pressure improved - all without medication.' Remember: it's not just cakes and biscuits that raise your blood sugar levels. Dr Unwin says: 'Sugar itself is obvious, but the thing that most people miss - and I missed it myself for years - is that starchy carbohydrates like bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes and rice digest down into surprising amounts of sugar. 'A 150g portion of boiled rice and a medium-sized baked potato are each roughly equivalent to 10 teaspoons of sugar. 'You should focus on eating more green vegetables and protein.' Esther believes weight loss is key to reversing the condition. 'If you are overweight or obese and at high risk of type 2 diabetes, even small amounts of weight loss can be beneficial,' she says. 'Losing five per cent of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk.' If you are worried you might have prediabetes, speak to your GP. Support is also available from Diabetes UK ( 0345 123 2399). 4. DRUG ALERT 5 PEOPLE taking steroids for conditions such as asthma or arthritis are at higher risk as they can increase your blood sugar levels. Look out for signs like going to the toilet more frequently, feeling really thirsty and being more tired than usual. 5. SKIN DEEP ANOTHER possible sign of prediabetes is darkened patches of skin on certain parts of the body, like the neck, armpits or groin. Known as acanthosis nigricans, this can indicate the body is struggling to manage blood sugar. 6. TESTING TIMES IF you've had a blood test and your triglycerides (fat in your blood) were high, you are in the diabetes danger zone. Having raised liver enzymes or an abnormal liver function test is another risk factor. More than two thirds of the UK population now has fatty liver, which reduces your ability to deal with sugar and refined carbs like bread. 7. MUM'S THE WORD GESTATIONAL diabetes - high blood sugar during pregnancy - usually disappears after giving birth. But women who have had it at any age are still at increased risk of prediabetes - particularly those aged 40-plus, with a BMI above 30. You should have a blood test to check for diabetes six to 13 weeks after giving birth, and annually after that if the result is normal. 8. FAMILY HISTORY CERTAIN ethnic groups are more susceptible to insulin resistance from the age of 25. This includes those of South Asian, Afro-Caribbean and Black African descent. 9. THE CHANGE WHILE men are more likely to develop diabetes, a woman's risk increases around menopause. Once you hit 'the change', you're in the danger zone.
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Exercising in your 50s for a happier healthier later life
Age UK and Dr Hussain Al Zubaidi, long-distance triathlete and Royal College of General Practitioners lifestyle and physical activity lead, have joined forces to talk about how reaching your 50s is the perfect time to 'Act Now to Age Better'. Why Exercise Matters More Than Ever in Your 50s As we age, natural changes occur in the body. Muscle mass begins to decline at a rate of about 1% yearly after 40, bone density decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and joints may become stiff. These changes can be mitigated—and even reversed—with regular physical activity. Best Types of Exercise in Your 50s Not all workouts are created equal, especially as you age. Here are the most beneficial forms of exercise for those in their 50s: Strength Training: Resistance exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, are critical for preserving muscle mass and improving bone density. Cardiovascular Exercise: Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling improve heart health and endurance. Flexibility and Mobility: Yoga or stretching exercises can enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve balance—essential for staying mobile. Balance Exercises: Simple practices like standing on one leg or Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls. Adapting Your Routine If you've been exercising for years recovery may start to take longer, or high-impact activities may feel harder on joints. Listening to your body and modifying workouts is essential. Starting slow and gradually building is key to avoiding injury. Consider consulting a professional to help design a tailored program. Staying Motivated Staying active in your 50s is as much about mindset as it is about movement. Practical tips include: Setting Realistic Goals: Focus on small, achievable milestones, like walking a certain number of steps daily. Make It Social: Join a fitness class or find a workout buddy to keep things fun. Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to monitor achievements and activity levels. Choose activities you genuinely enjoy. Consult Your Doctor Before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any long-term illnesses, consult your healthcare provider. A Healthier Future Exercising in your 50s is one of the best investments you can make for your future health and happiness. It's never too late to start. Age UK's leaflet has more information on how to get started to download please visit Find Affordable Sportswear at Age UK Charity Shops Staying active after 50 is essential for maintaining health and vitality in later life, and finding the right activewear can make it more enjoyable. Age UK charity shops offer a budget-friendly, sustainable way to build your workout wardrobe, while supporting a good cause. The shops often carry a variety of second-hand activewear, fitness dvds or sport accessories, including leggings, tracksuit bottoms, T-shirts, and trainers. Look for comfortable, moisture-wicking fabrics that allow movement. Try on items to ensure the fit suits your needs, especially for flexibility-intensive activities like yoga or Pilates. Beyond affordability, shopping at Age UK supports their vital work with older adults. You can also donate unused items, creating more space in your wardrobe. Once you've found the right clothes and activity, start incorporating more movement into your routine. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or stretching are excellent for building strength and flexibility without straining joints. Group classes or community activities can add a social element, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Age UK has 276 shops, across England and Wales. Not only will you be saving money, but you'll also be supporting older people too. Find your nearest Age UK shop here: or visit Age UK's eBay page Age UK Encourages Healthy Habits for Later Life New Age UK research shows '49% of people aged 50-65 (6.9 million) in the UK say they are motivated to exercise to improve or maintain their mental health'. Age UK's Tom Gentry emphasises: 'While there's no single magic formula for staying mentally and physically healthier in later life, a combination of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and staying social are key. "Even small amounts of physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.' 'Whether you're 50 or 85, it's never too late to start. Gradual steps can make a lasting impact on your future health and well-being.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top GP warns NI rise will make waiting times worse
GP waiting times in Wales will get worse as a result of increases to businesses' National Insurance contributions, a senior doctor has warned. Dr Rowena Christmas, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Wales, said the changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget felt like an "absolute crisis" and a "crushing disappointment". The UK government said it had provided funding to support businesses with NI increases. But the Welsh government said this was based on England's costs rather than Wales' actual needs and Downing Street had left it with a "significant shortfall". Unlike other NHS services, GP practices operate as private businesses and are funded by government contracts, which means they are not exempt from the NI increases, which came into effect last month. GP partners now have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000 instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Back of queue threat for people who miss NHS appointments Under fire GP company hands more surgeries back Monmouthshire-based Dr Christmas said funding cuts, inflation and the rise in the cost of living had made it difficult for GPs to keep going. "It's hard to be so pessimistic, but this is such a catastrophic situation we suddenly find ourselves in out of nowhere," she said. She added the new tax rate would cost her practice £20,000 a year, with larger practices facing additional costs of up to £90,000. In January the BMA's Welsh GP committee voted to accept an updated pay offer, which includes a one-off £23m payment aimed at stabilising practices. Dr Christmas said the new agreement was "a very welcome relief" but warned it would not solve the long-term challenges and called for GP practices to be exempt from the NI rise. "If we can't turn that into recurrent funding, we're back to square one or even worse off. It's a temporary breather," she added. "We all know what's best for patients. But if we're constantly trying to pick up the pieces, we can't do that quality job that we need to that will save the NHS in the long run." Dr Meleri Evans, an Anglesey GP, said her practice expected to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 more a year. She said: "This means we're going to have to change the way that we do business and the reality is that the only way that a GP partner can do that is to look at reducing the services they currently provide. "For the majority of people that comes down to reducing staffing costs. So there are certainly going to be very difficult decisions, including possible redundancies." In response to the Budget and growing worries within the profession, the British Medical Association's Welsh GP committee entered into negotiations with the Welsh government earlier this year to revise the General Medical Services contract for 2024-25. The UK government said health was a devolved matter and was an issue for the Welsh government, but added that ministers in Cardiff Bay had received additional funding on top of £21bn for changes in NI for employers. The Welsh government said: "Our initial estimate is devolved public sector employers in Wales face a £253m extra cost. The approach the UK government is taking leaves us with a significant shortfall." It added increases should be be fully funded by Westminster and it was pressing the Treasury on this issue. Top GP says doctors are united in fear about NHS GPs and Welsh NHS face collapse, doctors say
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
GP waiting times in Wales 'will get worse' due to NI increase
GP waiting times in Wales will get worse as a result of increases to businesses' National Insurance contributions, a senior doctor has Rowena Christmas, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Wales, said the changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget felt like an "absolute crisis" and a "crushing disappointment". The UK government said it had provided funding to support businesses with NI increases. But the Welsh government said this was based on England's costs rather than Wales' actual needs and Downing Street had left it with a "significant shortfall". Unlike other NHS services, GP practices operate as private businesses and are funded by government contracts, which means they are not exempt from the NI increases, which came into effect last month. GP partners now have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000 instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Monmouthshire-based Dr Christmas said funding cuts, inflation and the rise in the cost of living had made it difficult for GPs to keep going."It's hard to be so pessimistic, but this is such a catastrophic situation we suddenly find ourselves in out of nowhere," she added the new tax rate would cost her practice £20,000 a year, with larger practices facing additional costs of up to £90,000. In January the BMA's Welsh GP committee voted to accept an updated pay offer, which includes a one-off £23m payment aimed at stabilising Christmas said the new agreement was "a very welcome relief" but warned it would not solve the long-term challenges and called for GP practices to be exempt from the NI rise."If we can't turn that into recurrent funding, we're back to square one or even worse off. It's a temporary breather," she added."We all know what's best for patients. But if we're constantly trying to pick up the pieces, we can't do that quality job that we need to that will save the NHS in the long run." Dr Meleri Evans, an Anglesey GP, said her practice expected to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 more a said: "This means we're going to have to change the way that we do business and the reality is that the only way that a GP partner can do that is to look at reducing the services they currently provide."For the majority of people that comes down to reducing staffing costs. So there are certainly going to be very difficult decisions, including possible redundancies."In response to the Budget and growing worries within the profession, the British Medical Association's Welsh GP committee entered into negotiations with the Welsh government earlier this year to revise the General Medical Services contract for 2024-25. The UK government said health was a devolved matter and was an issue for the Welsh government, but added that ministers in Cardiff Bay had received additional funding on top of £21bn for changes in NI for employers. The Welsh government said: "Our initial estimate is devolved public sector employers in Wales face a £253m extra cost. The approach the UK government is taking leaves us with a significant shortfall."It added increases should be be fully funded by Westminster and it was pressing the Treasury on this issue.
Sky News AU
30-04-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Federal Election 2025: Australian Association of Practice Management deems Labor's centerpiece Medicare policy 'smoke and mirrors'
Australia's national association for general practice has deemed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centrepiece Medicare pledge as 'smoke and mirrors'. Mr Albanese has repeatedly claimed Australians would only need their Medicare cards to see a GP amid a multi-billion dollar pledge to boost bulk billing rates over the next five years. The policy has sparked reaction from medical bodies including the Royal College of General Practitioners, which has warned expanding incentives would not necessarily result in wider access to bulk-billed consultations. The Australian reports the Australian Association of Practice Management is the latest organisation to cast doubt on the idea patients will be able to see a doctor for free. AAPM chief executive Miranda Grace told the masthead this would not be the reality as 'there's no such thing as free'. 'It's a nice vision and a nice political sell, but we are in the business of being practical,' she said. 'The idea that all you will need is your Medicare card to get free doctors' visits – I think that is a beautiful dream to have but I don't know how that's going to translate in reality. I think it's going to be a huge challenge." Ms Grace said many practitioners now bulk bill based on 'particular patient needs' and the community they serve. She said there was 'a bit of smoke and mirrors' involved in the policy, as well as 'a utopian sort of vision'. Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen earlier this month slammed the pledge, saying says doctors were frustrated by the 'lack of reform' and that Labor's incentives don't 'help people get that extra time with their GP'. Mr Albanese was questioned about doubts raised over the 90 per cent bulk-billing pledge on Wednesday, declaring, 'the AMA haven't always been great fans of the whole concept of Medicare'. 'So we're not shocked that occasionally not every doctor comes on board there. But the reason why we are so confident is because this is not some academic exercise,' he said, speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra. 'The modelling that we've done shows that it will be in their interests to have fully bulk-billed services throughout the country. 'What we've got is a 2030 target of achieving (90 per cent bulk billing).'
