The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists appeals to the public in general to participate in a health awareness campaign starting tomorrow 11th November until the 30th November. Around 100 community pharmacies in different localities in Malta and Gozo are participating. The full list of participating pharmacies may be seen from drop down menu under CAMPAIGNS – PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES on this website.
Here under is more information on who should take the test. It is recommended that healthy individuals who have risk factors for diabetes get checked once per year.
Look after yourself by opting for and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood glucose (sugar) because the body cannot use sugar properly. Normally the amount of glucose in the blood is carefully controlled by the hormone insulin which is released from the pancreas.[1] Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with raised blood pressure and a disturbance of blood lipid levels (metabolic syndrome).
Factors which influence risk of developing type 2 Diabetes include:
- Weight (a body mass index of 25mg/m2 or more)
- A large waist circumference (women more than 80cm;men more than 94cm)
- Age – being older than 40 years
- Low physical activity level
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Previous history of gestational diabetes
- Having been diagnosed with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes. While some factors like age and family history cannot be changed, other factors, like your weight, and the amount of physical activity you do, can be changed. Being aware of these risk factors can help you take smart decisions to lower your risk.
You may minimise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle modifications such as, eating well, increasing the amount of physical activity and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
1. Eating well: establish a healthy, balanced diet which includes having breakfast and regular meals, consuming as little as possible of fried food; drinks and confectionery high in added sugars
2. Exercise regularly: do at least 30 minutes of at least moderate-intensity physical activity on 5 or more days of the week.
3. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight by adopting healthier eating habits, becoming more physically active and by following a weight reduction programme.
Check your blood glucose
A simple blood test can tell you it your blood glucose levels are too high. If your blood glucose is in the normal range it is recommended that you check your blood glucose on a yearly basis.
Ask your pharmacist
Your pharmacist will be able to guide you to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimise your incidence of type 2 diabetes. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
[1] Shoback, edited by David G. Gardner, Dolores (2011). Greenspan’s basic & clinical endocrinology (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. pp. Chapter 17. ISBN 0-07-162243-8.