Chronic disease management is a key aspect of general practice and Riccarton Clinic's GPs and nurse educators work very closely with patients to assist them in managing their conditions. Diabetes and Asthma are two of the most serious and debilitating chronic diseases and Riccarton Clinic has set up special clinics to work with patients suffering from these.
Diabetes is diagnosed when a person has too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This happens because the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and has two jobs in the body - the first is to transport glucose from the blood supply into fat and muscle cells, where it can be used for energy. The second is to switch off the liver once the level of glucose in the blood is high enough. Diabetes is the result of the body not creating enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range. It cannot presently be cured, but it can be controlled, and you can lead a full and active life.
It is important for all people with diabetes to get an annual check up with your doctor or specialist (more frequent check ups may be recommended).
Asthma is a chronic condition of the bronchioles, or small airways, inside the lungs. Airways are passages through which air flows, providing oxygen an essential ingredient in maintaining life in the body. Since we need oxygen to live, if there is a lack of it, it is very distressing and even dangerous.
While there’s no cure for asthma, it can be managed successfully by:
Understanding as much as possible about asthma
Working in partnership with your practice nurse and doctor to manage asthma
Knowing about prescribed asthma medicine - how to take it correctly and how it works
Taking your preventer asthma medication every day
Using a self management plan when needed
Finding out what your asthma triggers are and then avoiding them
Recognising when your asthma is getting worse and what to do
Monitoring your asthma with a peak flow meter and seeking regular reviews by a nurse/doctor
