It is also possible to "reverse" type two diabetes using similar methods to those that control and help prevent raised blood pressure, metabolic syndrome and vascular diseases. The increasing use of public transport, local shops and smart watches are factors that can reduce the incidence of non communicable diseases. All act against the lobbied interests of car manufacturers, sugar and processed food manufacture. (Unprocessed food uses up 15% extra daily calories.)
As personal health records and health portals become more ubiquitous, shared and interactive and co produced, citizens may become more wise and proactive.
Preventing noncommunicable diseases (who.int) <https://www.who.int/activities/preventing-noncommunicable-diseases/> Reducing the major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and the harmful use of alcohol – is the
focus of WHO’s work to prevent deaths from NCDs.
NCDs – primarily heart and lung diseases, cancers and diabetes – are the world’s largest killers, with an estimated 38 million deaths annually. Of these deaths, 16 million are premature (under 70 years of age). If we reduce the global impact of risk factors, we can go a long way to reducing the number of deaths worldwide.
Prevention of NCDs is a growing issue: the burden of NCDs falls mainly on developing countries, where 82% of premature deaths from these diseases occur. Tackling the risk factors will therefore not only save lives; it will also provide a huge boost for the economic development of countries.
HIFA profile: Richard Fitton is a retired family doctor - GP. Professional interests: Health literacy, patient partnership of trust and implementation of healthcare with professionals, family and public involvement in the prevention of modern lifestyle diseases, patients using access to professional records to overcome confidentiality barriers to care, patients as part of the policing of the use of their patient data
Email address: richardpeterfitton7 AT gmail.com
