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Living with diabetes can be managed by proper medication. However, you may have questions regarding the medications available to you. Here, we will take a closer look at two medications, Ozempic and Saxenda, so that you can see how these medications can impact your health. A CLOSER LOOK AT DIABETES Diabetes can be divided into two categories, type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and is commonly diagnosed in children. Individuals with T1D require lifelong insulin treatment to manage their diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed later in life due to genetics, lifestyle, and other risk factors. Unlike T1D, there are numerous treatment options other than insulin therapy to manage type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS A common drug class used to treat type 2 diabetes is glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by lowering blood glucose and slowing gastric emptying. Benefits of using a GLP-1 receptor agonist include: weight loss, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) benefits, lowering A1C values, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) benefits with little risk of hypoglycemia. Common GLP-1 receptor agonist side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and injection site reactions. GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be used in patients with a personal or a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

Diabetes affects over 537 million people worldwide; by 2045, this is estimated to increase to 783 million. [1] With the growing prevalence of diabetes, it's even more important to utilise all options to support people with diabetes (PwDs) in managing their daily life with diabetes. Where do PwDs most often access healthcare support? On average, PwDs visit the pharmacy three-to-eight times more than the general population to obtain medicines and testing supplies.[2] It is clear that pharmacists play an integral role in empowering the self-management needs of PwDs beyond the traditional role of supplying medicines. This relationship, however, may be underutilised. Research suggests there is a lack of broad recognition of pharmacists as a key source of diabetes care, and that resource constraints - particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic - can interfere with patient education provision and training.[3,4] Furthermore, the circumstances and role of the pharmacy vary, nationally and internationally. At Roche Diabetes Care we would like to shine a light on the increasing value of community pharmacists as important figures in the well-being of PwDs.

Living with diabetes can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are living with diabetes every day. This article will discuss some tips on how to better handle your diabetes. It will also provide information on the latest treatments and technologies available to help make managing your diabetes easier than ever before! 1) METHOD OF INSULIN DELIVERY There are a variety of methods for insulin delivery, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. One of the most common methods is injections. Insulin injections are quick and easy, and they allow you to have more control over your blood sugar levels. However, some people find them to be painful or inconvenient. As seen at DiaBettr, there are also insulin pens available that can make injections less painful and more convenient. Another method of insulin delivery is through an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are small, wearable devices that deliver insulin to your body constantly throughout the day. They are very effective at keeping your blood sugar levels in control, but they can be expensive and require a lot of maintenance.

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and glands in the human body. The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, and reproductive health. Endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances and disorders. There are several reasons why you might consider seeing an endocrinologist. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common reasons people seek out the expertise of an endocrinologist. YOU HAVE DIABETES If you have diabetes, it is important to consider seeing an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists specialize in managing diabetes and can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your blood sugar levels. They can also help you prevent or manage complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems. An endocrinologist can work with you to develop a healthy lifestyle plan that includes diet, exercise, and medication management. They can also help you adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure that your diabetes is well-controlled. Seeing an endocrinologist can help you achieve better health outcomes and improve your overall quality of life.

Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can be allied with skin problems, including dry skin. Nobody knows precisely why dry skin is allied with diabetes but most of the diabetic experts specify that diabetic dry skin conditions can be simply managed with simple tips.

NHS England has secured a deal for 'Dexcom ONE Real Time-Continuous Glucose Monitoring' device which will help type 1 diabetes patients to keep track of their glucose levels at all times without having to scan or take a finger prick test. Once the patients receive their starter pack - which will include information on the product and usage, a sensor and transmitter - from the hospital or GP surgery, they can go to the community pharmacy for their repeat prescription. The wearable arm gadget sends information to a mobile app and allows diabetes patients to keep track of their glucose levels. "Traditionally, continuous glucose monitors are more expensive than their flash monitor counterparts - which record glucose levels by scanning a sensor - but thanks to the NHS agreeing on a new cost-effective deal with manufacturers DEXCOM, they will now be available for NHS patients on prescription at a similar price," said NHS. Dexcom ONE Real Time-Continuous Glucose Monitoring, uses a sensor no bigger than a bottle cap that attaches to the arm for up to 10 days and measures glucose levels from just under the skin. The wider rollout of the technology will help diabetes patients manage their condition better - reducing hospitalisations and associated diabetic illnesses which will ultimately ease pressure off the NHS. Karen Baxter, vice president, UK & Ireland, Benelux, France and Spain at Dexcom: "The addition of Dexcom ONE to the NHS England drug tariff is enormous progress towards improving the choice of diabetes tech, providing an alternative to burdensome finger pricks and scanning.

Type 1 diabetes patients can monitor their glucose with the newly introduced flash glucose monitors by the NHS. The wearable gadgets with the size of a £2 coin, have a sensor that easily sits on the arm, allowing patients to check their glucose levels with a one-second scan. Eligible patients are currently able to access the monitors on prescription from their local GP or diabetes team, helping them to better manage their blood sugar levels. Everyone living with type 1 diabetes will be eligible for lifechanging flash glucose monitors on the NHS. The NHS Long Term Plan has already helped almost three in five people with Type 1 diabetes to access the monitors that allow people to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly. The change, confirmed today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), means that everyone in England with the condition will be able to benefit from the convenient technology.

The National Health Services England (NHSE) is poised to revolutionise diabetes management with the introduction of the 'artificial pancreas', also known as the Hybrid Closed Loop system, to treat type 1 diabetes. This pioneering initiative, endorsed by the National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE), represents a global first in healthcare innovation. With 269,095 individuals grappling with type 1 diabetes in England, the Hybrid Closed Loop system is set to cater to tens of thousands of children and adults across the nation. This cutting-edge device operates by seamlessly monitoring blood glucose levels and autonomously adjusting insulin dosage through a pump, by eliminating the need for regular insulin injections. Furthermore, it holds the promise of averting life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia episodes, mitigating significant risks associated with the condition. To facilitate the identification of beneficiaries, NHSE has allocated a substantial sum of £2.5 million, ensuring that those who could benefit from this innovative solution receive the necessary support.

Managing diabetes revolves around making mindful food choices. Ms. Veena Kumari, a seasoned Consultant Dietitian at Kailash Deepak Hospital, underscores the pivotal role of diet in diabetes management.

In an announcement following Keir Starmer's and Wes Streeting's visit to a hospital in the East Midlands, Labour Party has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Virgin Media O2 aimed at ensuring every child with type 1 diabetes can access the latest medical technology to better manage diabetes. With the NHS providing patients with type 1 diabetes the option of an 'artificial pancreas' in the next five years to manage insulin levels and Continuous Glucose Monitors launched nearly 2 years ago to monitor children's glucose levels, the initiative aims to address the financial barrier hindering hundreds of families from benefiting from this breakthrough. Labour's plan to provide every child in need a smartphone, facilitating access to modern glucose monitors, aligns with the centre-leftist party's broader vision to harness technology for healthcare transformation. Announcing the partnership in an interview with ITV News, Keir Starmer, Labour Party Leader, highlighted the lack of equitable access to medical advancement amongst patients as "travesty" and "impact of fourteen years of Conservative chaos has had on the NHS", stating:

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for GLP-1 receptor agonists used in the management of type 2 diabetes on Tuesday (27 June). "There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) licensed in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)," said DHSC. The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications and it is not expected to return to normal until at least mid-2024. Pharmacists are urged to refer to the SPS Tool for Medicines Shortages for an up-to-date supply stock situation and clinical guidance on alternative treatment options.

Eli Lilly's weight-loss medicine Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, will be available in the UK within weeks as a four-dose pre-filled injection pen. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the drug to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and for weight management in obese patients. Branded as Mounjaro KwikPen, the injection is to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the regulator said. "The public health importance of safe and effective treatments to help manage diabetes and obesity, which can have a significant impact on people's health, is clear. "This approval enables access to the approved Mounjaro pen in a more convenient presentation of a month's treatment, of one dose per week," said Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access.

Medical professionals often prescribe semaglutide to patients who have type 2 diabetes. Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it has also shown to be an incredibly efficient weight loss aid for patients. As the active ingredient in well-known brand-name drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, semaglutide is currently on everybody's lips. But what exactly is semaglutide? Does it really work for weight loss? We'll find an answer for you in this article, and explain the main benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss. What Is Semaglutide? A number of diabetic and weight loss medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, have semaglutide as their active ingredient. This substance is a synthetic form of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that occurs naturally. Developed by the company Novo Nordisk, semaglutide was first approved by the FDA in 2017 as an injection for the treatment of adult type 2 diabetes (as part of the approval procedure for Ozempic). In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved a novel semaglutide form known as Rybelsus. Rybelsus was the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the United States.

There are several aspects that must be taken into account. There are instances where two different kinds of medicines lead to side effects, hence you must see how you are managing your medication. Let us have a look at some of the best methods to ascertain proper medication management: LEARN ABOUT MOST COMMON MEDICATION MISTAKES This is one of the first things that one should know about simply because when you know what can lead to mistakes, you do not make mistakes. Some of the mistakes that most patients make may be in the form of taking too much medication, mixing up home remedies with prescribed drugs, and non-adherence to medical requirements. Evidence suggests that such mistakes lead to the ineffectiveness of medication, side effects, and overdose. USE ORGANIZATION TOOLS It may get very difficult to keep a track of the time and number of pills you need every day. It is especially true for elderly people who have a need for polypharmacy which is the use of five or more medications on a daily basis. Organization tools such as pill-box, alarm watch, and water bottle can be really helpful. For example, a pill-box can be used to keep your medicines safely and separately as per their categories such as medicines for diabetes in one part and medicines for pain in the other. This would help you easily manage your medication routine without a miss.

Part of a raft of National Health Services (NHS) measures which aim to support people to prevent or reduce incidence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme has emerged as a beacon of success in the battle against obesity, with a recent study showcasing its effectiveness in aiding weight loss among participants. According to research published in The Obesity Journal, the programme has garnered significant traction, with over 63,000 individuals referred in its inaugural year. Encouragingly, half of those referred opted to enroll in the service, highlighting its appeal and accessibility. Among the 14,000 participants who completed the 12-week programme between April 2021 and March 2022, a notable average weight loss of 3.9kg (equivalent to 8.59lbs) was achieved. Even among those who did not complete the programme, an average weight loss of 2.2kg (approximately 4.85lbs) was observed.

An ever-increasing emphasis is being placed on getting and staying fit and mobile, whatever your age, with good reason. Regular aerobic exercise (physical activity which gets the heart beating faster) helps patients to: Reduce or maintain body weight Reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes Control blood sugar (helpful for diabetics) Maintain mobility and muscle strength, allowing daily activities to be undertaken more easily Improve mood, physical activity can be beneficial for everyone. However, injuries sometimes happen during exercise or everyday life. Collectively, injuries to tendons, ligaments and/or skeletal muscle, are referred to as musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. Post pandemic pharmacists are now the first port of call for many seeking to self-treat so it is important that information, advice and a wide range of treatment options are available. While the precise incidence and prevalence of such disorders are difficult to define, they are known to be the most common rheumatic causes of sickness absences from work. Indeed, soft tissue complaints account for up to 59 per cent of new patient referrals to rheumatology practice and up to 15 per cent of consultations in primary care. Ankle injuries are very common with an estimated incidence of one per 100,000 population per day. They account for about one in five of all sports related injuries. The majority of ankle injuries are moderate ligament sprains. With appropriate treatment the majority of patients should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.

The government has launched a new 'Better Health' campaign to help people working towards healthier weight and reduce the risk of being hospitalised with Covid-19. The campaign launched in partnership with 15 weight management and physical activity partners will provide both free and discounted offers for weight management. Public health minister Maggie Throup said the campaign will focus on improving adults' health and help them to achieve a healthier weight. It will also include focus on the risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and up to 12 types of cancer, to reducing the probability of hospitalisation with Covid-19. Besides highlighting these health conditions, the campaign will emphasise how these could be prevented by losing excess weight.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which affects up to 20 per cent of children, is one of the most common conditions pharmacists encounter, but don't underestimate eczema. Generalised eczema may compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL) more than several other chronic diseases, including asthma, epilepsy and diabetes. Despite the impact on HRQoL, underuse of moisturisers and topical corticosteroids often leaves childhood eczema poorly controlled. UK researchers recently reported that several factors contribute to the underuse of moisturisers and topical corticosteroids in children with eczema. For instance, most of the 30 parents and carers interviewed felt that they had received little information about eczema. The lack of understanding may help explain why some parents and carers expressed concerns, such as the risk of skin thinning, about topical corticosteroids. Some were not convinced that moisturisers (strictly, an emollient is an ingredient of a moisturiser) reduced itch and maintained control of eczema. Some felt that moisturisers' efficacy declined over time. Parents and carers also admitted to "incomplete knowledge and skills" about managing eczema (such as whether they should apply moisturisers regularly) and reluctance to manage eczema in collaboration with their child. Parents and carers wanted advice about using treatments and explanations of moisturisers' and topical corticosteroids' mechanisms of action. The authors note that healthcare professionals could help identify and address gaps in knowledge.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has changed the way healthcare professionals work within the primary care setting. The advent of Covid-19 meant that we all had to rapidly modify the way we supported and met the needs of patients, some of whom saw the services they usually took for granted, virtually cease overnight. There are around 15 million people in England living with long-term health conditions including asthma. These people have the greatest healthcare needs of the whole population with 50 per cent of all GP appointments and 70 per cent of all bed days taken by this cohort of patients, and their treatment and care absorbing 70 per cent of acute and primary care budgets in England. This situation isn't going to improve any time soon. In the past, most people had a single condition, today multi-morbidity is becoming the norm. At the start of the pandemic, the Royal College of General Practice and British Medical Association issued guidance to practices on prioritising workload. This included the importance of maintaining long-term condition reviews in asthma, COPD and diabetes, along with appropriate transition of at-risk warfarin patients. These reviews were deemed as essential workstreams for patients considered to be at high risk. Traditionally, the unique skills set of a pharmacist has meant that we have played a major role in supporting these patients. I work with a team of over 90 clinical pharmacists who, in partnership with individual practices, PCNs, CCGs and STPs, help with the long-term management of people with chronic conditions. But the onset of Covid-19 meant that we now had to plug a potential gap in service provision, and quickly.

A physically active lifestyle offers numerous benefits, including better cardiovascular fitness, healthy body weight, management of chronic illnesses like diabetes and arthritis, and improved bone health and muscular fitness. However, like the cliché statement that every action attracts an adverse reaction, physical activity has its fair share of risks, including injuries. Some common body injuries while engaging in various levels of physical activity or active sports include wrist, knee, and ankle injuries. The most common injuries are bruises, strains, and sprains, and this article focuses on the latter. A sprain is an acute soft tissue injury when ligaments get torn or stretched excessively. Ligaments are tough fibrous tissues made of collagen that connect the bones and form the different joints found in human bodies. Therefore, sprains are joint injuries, with ankles taking the giant share of most sprain injuries. It's also important to note that sprains are often confused with strains. However, they're distinctly different because the former are injuries to the ligaments in a joint, while the latter are injuries to the muscles.