We are in the process of adding some practice guidance for patients with long term conditions. We will be adding to the heading below as soon as we can. Please bear with us.
Dementia
- Living with dementia and COVID-19: an emergency kit
- A practical guide for carers Looking after someone with dementia
- Getting help and support as a carer
- The dementia guide: Living well after diagnosis
- A list of Practical resources
Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.
It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.
There’s currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life.
Information about your condition can be found here
- How to use your inhalers
- How to manage your child’s Asthma
- How to manage your Asthma – adults
- Asthma Management Plan – Children 15 yrs and younger
- Asthma Management Plan – Adults age 16 yrs and older
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes:
- emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
- chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways
COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.
The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit your normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control.
Information about your condition can be found here
Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
There are 2 main types of diabetes:
- type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
- type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.
During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose that their body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. This is known as gestational diabetes.
Information about your condition can be found here
Pre-diabetes
Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes.
This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased.
It’s very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated.
Pre-diabetes Programme information booklets
- Participants – A5 Leaflet – On Referral
- Participants – A5 Leaflet – Your Remote Journey
- Participants – A5 Leaflet – Your Face-to-Face Journey
- Participants – A5 Leaflet – Your Digital Journey
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
It’s usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots.
It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.
CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
There are many different types of CVD. 4 of the main types are
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Strokes and TIA’s
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Aortic Disease
All of the above are described here
The exact cause of CVD isn’t clear, but there are lots of things that can increase your risk of getting it. These are called “risk factors”.
The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing CVD.
If you’re over 40, you’ll be invited by your GP for an NHS Health Check every 5 years.
Part of this check involves assessing your individual CVD risk and advising you how to reduce it if necessary.
