Tag: ‘life-threatening’
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Thousands with life-threatening condition could be spared injections thanks to new tech on the NHS
DIABETIC Brits could be spared painful insulin jabs thanks to “artificial pancreas” technology set to roll out on the NHS.
The cutting-edge “closed loop” system uses a sensor and insulin pump to automatically control blood sugar.
Most patients with Type 1 diabetes monitor their blood sugar with a continuous sensor, but still inject themselves with insulin (stock image)[/caption]
Health watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said it should be offered to patients who struggle to control type 1 diabetes.
Around 278,000 people in England and Wales have the condition – and 105,000 could be eligible for the gadget.
NHS clinics will get it if bosses can strike a deal for less than the market £5,700 per person per year, which NICE said is too pricey.
Professor Partha Kar, NHS England advisor, said: “This technology has been proven to give the best control for managing type 1 diabetes.
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“It could make things like amputations, blindness and kidney problems a thing of the past.”
Mark Chapman, technology director at NICE, added: “Some people with type 1 diabetes struggle to manage their condition and this technology is the best intervention to help them, barring a cure.
“At a time when the number of people with diabetes is rising, we have to focus on what matters most to people by balancing the best care with value for money.”
Almost 1,000 people were involved in an NHS trial of the closed loop insulin system last year.
Patients usually have to monitor blood sugars and inject insulin themselves because their pancreas cannot make it.
Insulin is a hormone that lowers levels of glucose in the blood, which rise when you eat – when they are too high it can cause nerve, eye and organ damage and even deadly comas.
Nikki Joule, policy manager at Diabetes UK, said: “This has the potential to transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.
“NICE’s draft guidance is a step towards ensuring people have access to the technologies they can benefit from most.
“Type 1 diabetes can take a huge mental toll, with people manually calculating how much insulin they need regularly throughout the day.
“By automating these calculations, hybrid closed-loop technology can greatly alleviate the emotional burden of diabetes.
“We look forward to it being rolled out on the NHS and will work towards ensuring that everyone who could benefit from this life-changing technology has access to it.”
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Urgent warning to parents this bonfire night as celebrations could cause life-threatening attacks
AN urgent warning has been issued to parents in the run up to this weekend’s bonfire night celebrations.
Experts have warned that many of the 5.4 million people in the UK living with asthma could be at increased risk of a deadly attack on November 5.
Parents have been warned to protect their children this bonfire night if they have asthma[/caption]
A potentially lethal combination of toxic bonfire smoke and chilly wintry air, alongside seasonal colds and viruses that can trigger breathlessness, coughs and wheezing to spike, could leave children – and adults – struggling to catch their breath.
Charity Asthma + Lung UK also warned that those with lung conditions could also be impacted.
This includes people who suffer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A survey commissioned by the charity found that 47 per cent said poor air quality made their symptoms worse, with 67.8 per cent saying cold air bought them on.
Read more on asthma
COPD impacts around 1.4 million across the country and the illness is an umbrella term which causes breathing difficulties and symptoms such as chest tightness and wheezing.
The experts said that temperatures are lower during winter months, meaning those with conditions like asthma or COPD need to take extra precautions to protect themselves.
At present, temperatures in the south of the country are around 16C with northern parts of the country being a couple of degrees cooler.
However, in November last year, around 7,600 Brits were admitted to hospital for emergency care for their asthma symptoms.
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Alongside this, the charity said it had more than 2,100 people calling its helpline for help and advice.
The charity said the number of asthma admissions and increase in calls for advice at this time of year are likely due to a combination of cold weather, more viruses and bugs going around, and air pollution, such as that caused by bonfires.
Emma Rubach, Head of Health Advice at the charity said that while fireworks and bonfire displays might be fun, they could land you in hospital if you have asthma.
She said: “Smoke fumes from burning wood and fireworks can linger in the air for hours, creating localised pollution which can cause asthma attacks or lead to a worsening of symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing and coughing for those with asthma.
The 6 tips you need to know to stay safe this bonfire night
Asthma + Lung UK is urging people with lung conditions to stay well this Bonfire Night by following these top tips:
- Take your preventer medicines as prescribed
- Always carry your reliever inhaler with you
- If you find that smoke is making you cough, stand well back from the fire
- Make sure your friends and family know what to do and when to get help if your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse
- As cold air can be an asthma trigger, wrap a thin scarf loosely over your nose and mouth to warm the air before you breathe it in
- Visit Asthma UK to share the charity’s ‘what to do in an asthma attack’ with friends and family.
“Cold air due to the drop in temperatures can also make symptoms worse, meaning that next week people with asthma or other lung conditions could face a dangerous combination of triggers.
“If you have a lung condition and are worried, the best thing you can do is take your medicines as prescribed, especially your preventer inhaler as this builds up protection in your lungs. We would advise you to consider staying indoors if fireworks have brought on your asthma symptoms before.”
If you are planning on going to a display, then you should take your reliever inhaler with you to relieve symptoms as they come on.
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She added that you should educate those you are with on what to do if you have an asthma attack and how they can help you.
In the event of an emergency, always call 999.