The World Health Organisation, WHO, is so concerned about the worldwide chronic health condition, diabetes that they have decided to focus on the problem for the Organisation’s World Health day on 7th April 2016.

World Health Day will be used to highlight the disease in order to promote strategies to help prevent diabetes and ensure optimal management for people living with one of the various forms of the condition. About 350 million people in the world have diabetes and as this chronic disease becomes more common the importance of learning how to prevent, detect, treat and manage it becomes more crucial.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body has raised blood sugar - hyperglycamia, which can lead to serious damage, especially to the nerves and blood vessels. This is caused when either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar, which gives us the energy we need to live. If the sugar is unable to get into the cells to be burned as energy, it can build up to harmful levels in the blood.

There are two main forms of the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is characterised by the lack of insulin production and requires daily insulin injections for survival. The cause is not known and is not preventable at the moment.

Type 2 diabetes results from the body not producing enough insulin or the body is resistant to any insulin produced. This form of diabetes comprises 90% of people with diabetes around the world and is largely due to excess body weight and lack of physical activity. Until recently, this type of diabetes was only seen in adults but now it’s found in children. In fact, in some parts of the world, type 2 diabetes has become the main type of diabetes in children and adolescents. This is thought to be due to the global rise of childhood obesity and physical inactivity.

Ultimately, high blood sugars can have devastating effects on every major organ in the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, impotence, blindness, kidney failure and infections that can lead to amputations.

Other less common types

Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with blood glucose values above normal but below those of diagnostic diabetes, when a woman is pregnant. These women are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery as well as being at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.

Impaired glucose intolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG)

These are intermediate conditions in the transition between normality and diabetes but the progression is not inevitable and can be prevented by following a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Urinating more frequently, especially at night
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very tired
• Cuts or wounds that don’t heal properly or heal slowly
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss (more common with type 1 diabetes)
• Itching around the penis or vagina or frequent bouts of thrush
• Intense hunger which may lead to weight gain
• Irritability due to lack of energy
• Gum disease/infection
• Sexual  dysfunction
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually present suddenly and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and stomach pains.

It’s possible to have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all with type 2 diabetes. In fact, about half of all people with type 2 diabetes are unaware of their condition and are therefore undiagnosed. Also, the condition known as prediabetes, that often leads to type 2 diabetes, produces no symptoms. Usually, type 2 diabetes and its symptoms develop very slowly.

Diabetes Diagnosis

Excess glucose in the urine can be detected by a simple urine test.  This can be followed up by a blood test that measures blood glucose levels and can confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

Therefore, if you have any of the symptoms described above you should visit your GP as soon as possible. It’s very important that diabetes is diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated leading to serious health conditions.

If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes you will need insulin injections for the rest of your life. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you may be able to control your symptoms by following a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis and careful monitoring of your blood glucose levels. However, you may eventually require medication in the form of tablets or insulin as type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition.

In the UK there are 3.9 million people living with diabetes, either diagnosed or undiagnosed, which is a staggering more than one in 16 people. This figure is constantly increasing and it’s estimated that by 2025 five million people in the UK alone will have diabetes. Furthermore, many more people are estimated to have blood sugar levels above the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. The health implications of this prediction and the cost to the NHS is frightening.

Overweight and obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a healthy body weight. Those with a lot of belly fat or abdominal obesity are especially at risk. That is why it’s recommended for males  to have a waist measurement of less than 94cm(37 inches) and females to measure less than 80cm(31.5 inches). Diabetes experts are asking world leaders at the G20 leaders summit in Turkey this weekend to use sugar taxes to fight obesity, arguing that it would save lives and slash health care budgets . A new report published in the journal Diabetic Medicine has projected that the NHS’s annual spending on diabetes in the UK will increase from £9.8 billion to £16.9 billion over the next 25 years, a rise that means the NHS would be spending 17% of its entire budget on the condition.

Many things can be done to reduce the impact of diabetes through embracing personal  responsibility by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This means achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight by being physically active for at least 30 minutes every day and walking has been advocated in the press recently as the best way to keep fit. Also, by eating a healthy diet that includes between 3 and 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily and reducing our intake of sugar and saturated fats. Avoiding the use of tobacco is essential as smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Being overweight, physically inactive and eating the wrong foods all contribute to our risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Drinking just one can of (non-diet) soda per day can raise our risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 22%, researchers from Imperial College London reported in the journal Diabetologia. The scientists believe that the impact of sugary soft drinks on diabetes risk may be a direct one, rather than simply an influence on body weight.

There are many diseases which we have no power over but diabetes is not one of them. Properly treated and managed, the impact of diabetes can be minimised. Even people with type 1 diabetes can live long and healthy lives if they keep their blood sugar well controlled.

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 18/11/15

HAIR TODAY; GONE TOMORROW.
The distressing condition of men’s hair loss and the latest remedies

There are different types of hair loss or alopecia but androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. It’s a genetic hair loss condition and usually begins with a receding hairline followed by thinning of the hair on the crown and temples to form a horseshoe shape.

For more information about hair loss treatments for men, click here.

Alopecia may not be life threatening but it can be very distressing to those affected. People who haven’t experienced it may be inclined to see it as a purely cosmetic issue but for many sufferers it destroys their confidence which can lead to depression and create terrible stress.

About half of all men will be affected by male pattern baldness at some point in their lives.

Another type of alopecia that has become more prevalent recently is traction alopecia. It is caused by excessive pulling or tension on hair shafts as a result of certain types of hairstyle. It used to be seen more often in women, particularly those of East Indian and Afro-Caribbean origin, due to braiding their hair. However, there is a popular hairstyle for men that is trending at the moment , the “man-bun” or “top-knot”,  sported by celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jared Leto and Harry Styles. Here the hair is tightly scraped back and if you wear it like that all day, every day then it puts long term stress on the hair, pulling the follicle and damaging the root, pulling it out. It's just like plucking an eyebrow hair where if you keep plucking it, it won't grow back. 

Another at-risk group is men who suffer baldness on the top of the head and so they pull the remainder back into a ponytail. This again causes tension on the root leading to even more hair loss.

Furthermore, Sikh men who tie their hair up tightly under their turban may cause traction alopecia.

However, the good news is that traction alopecia is relatively rare, even for men who regularly sport man buns. Therefore, I suggest that those who want to have a bun hairstyle, should style their hair into a looser bun. Also, it’s best to use a soft, snag-free elastic which is kinder to your hair, like a scrunchie.

The latest research into hair loss treatments involves hair cell cloning. The technique takes small amounts of a person's remaining hair cells, multiplying them, and injecting them into bald areas. Cloning is intended to treat both male- and female-pattern baldness. However, the science behind the technique is new and more trials are needed before it can be fully assessed.

Another potential treatment for male pattern baldness is a pioneering technique involving wound healing. The process involves creating a very minor “wound” on the scalp that subsequently allows the formation of new hair follicles.

However, at the moment, the two main treatments available for male-pattern baldness are minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil is available over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription. It takes the form of a foam or solution that can be rubbed into the scalp on a daily basis. It comes in two strengths containing 5% or 2% of minoxidil. Women are recommended only to use the 2% solution and the evidence is mixed as to whether men benefit from using the higher strength. However, side-effects are more likely with the higher strength which involves scalp itchiness or dryness. Also, the treatment seems to be more effective for female pattern baldness. It takes a few months for signs of regrowth to appear  and the situation will revert back to the start if treatment is stopped.

Finasteride is a daily tablet treatment for only men with male pattern baldness. It prevents testosterone  from being converted to dihydrotestosterone(DHT). DHT is responsible for shrinking the hair follicles and therefore they return to their normal size, allowing natural re-growth. About  90% of men see either increased hair growth or prevention of further hair loss. It usually takes between 3-6 months before any effect is seen and hair loss will start again within a year if treatment is stopped. This treatment is recommended by many hair transplant surgeons as the most effective way to encourage hair regrowth.

For more information on Finasteride hair loss treatment for men click here. 

At Webmed Pharmacy we can supply finasteride treatment, after completing a short medical questionnaire that our doctor will review and it will be discreetly delivered the next day, in a 1 hour time slot , by dpd .

Webmed Pharmacy specialises in treatments where patients may feel embarrassed or awkward talking to their GP; or simply find it difficult to get an appointment; or aren't able to take time off from work.

If you would like to see what other treatments Webmed can provide, please click here.

Medically reviewed by: Super intendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 14/10/15

"Sexpression:UK is a network of student-led projects at over thirty universities across the UK. They deliver fun, informal workshops on sex and relationships to schools, youth clubs and sports clubs in their local areas.

They believe in empowering young people to make their own informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. Sexpression:UK, their branches, and their volunteers, have won, and been shortlisted for, several awards for their outstanding commitment to volunteering and promoting sexual health."They are an entirely volunteer run and led organisation where schools and clubs are not charged any fee for their services.

Sexpression:UK  is involved in educating young people about Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs, and safer sex.

It’s advisable that sexually active, under 25 year olds should be screened every year and on change of sexual partner.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK and easily transferred during sex. There were approximately 440,000 STI diagnoses made in England alone in 2014. Genital chlamydial infection was the most common, accounting for 47% of diagnoses resulting in 206,774 cases. There were 138,000 chlamydia diagnoses among young people aged between 15 and 24 years old.

However, the actual number of infections is likely to be far higher as STIs, because they are symptomless in many cases, are often passed on unknowingly before someone realises they are infected. Also, younger adults are at greater risk as they are more likely to have unsafe sex with multiple sexual partners.

WebMed pharmacy can supply STI kits for both males and females, at a competitive price, to check if you are clear of the 7 most common STIs.

If treatment is required for either chlamydia or gonorrhea then WebMed pharmacy can deliver it, after a short medical questionnaire is completed and approved by our online doctor. There is a charge for this service. If ordered by 4p.m. it will be discreetly delivered the next day in a very convenient one hour time slot. This service is provided to all mainland UK except the Scottish Highlands where we use Royal Mail Special Delivery.

We use dpd as our preferred carrier with their industry-leading predict and follow my parcel service. You will receive a one hour delivery window via your chosen method, SMS or email from webmed-supplies.co.uk. This allows you to track the progress of your treatment on a map, counting down to a 15 minute window.

If for any reason this is not convenient, you will be offered other options; to leave with a neighbour, change the day or to be delivered to the nearest dpd pickup point.

STIs can be prevented through sexual health promotion and education and encouraging safer sexual behaviour. WebMed pharmacy simply provides you with more choice in accessing sexual health services.  

Our service is fast, discreet and confidential where you can be tested and receive treatment in the comfort of your own home.

https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/gonorrhoea-symptoms-and-treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect men of all ages. In the UK, ED is thought to affect 1 in 10 men and more than 50% of men over the age of 40 will experience some form of ED. It can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition and if it becomes a chronic problem then it is best to consult your GP.

ED can be caused by physical conditions that restrict the flow of blood to the penis, such as narrowing of the blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

It’s also caused by conditions involving the nervous system, e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, after a stroke and diabetes (which also involves the nervous system).

Hormonal problems can also cause it; deficiencies in testosterone production, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland and Cushing’s syndrome (where the body doesn’t produce enough of the steroid, cortisol).

Furthermore, depression and anxiety are psychological problems that can cause ED.

There are a whole range of medications that can cause ED and even more frustratingly, a lot of the treatments for the aforementioned medical conditions can make existing ED even worse!

Some members of a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure, such as Ramipril and Lisinopril cause it. Also, other medications for hypertension, called Calcium-channel blockers; amlodipine,felodipine and Nifedipine. Other culprits are beta-blockers, used for angina and hypertension, such as carvedilol, metoprolol and atenolol.

Another group of drugs causing this unwanted side-effect are diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure, kidney disease or heart failure), for example, bendoflumethazide and furosemide. The widely used statins and fibrates used for high cholesterol and commonly used antihistamines, for hayfever and other allergic conditions, also cause ED. Treatments for urinary retention such as Tamsulosin and Doxazosin are guilty too. Anticonvulsants used for epilepsy, cytotoxics used in chemotherapy and medications for ulcers may cause ED.

This list is not exhaustive but gives you an indication of the large number of medications that do cause this sensitive and embarrassing condition. However, it is extremely important never to stop your prescribed medication if you suspect it may be the cause of your ED but go and speak to your GP as an alternative medication may be available that doesn’t cause this unwanted side effect.

There is a huge stigma surrounding ED and many men find it embarrassing and awkward to even talk to their partners about it never mind discussing it with their GP. Although attitudes to gender have improved greatly over the years and the division of labour in the home is now far more evenly distributed than in our parents’ days, we still live in a society where the majority of men like to appear as “macho” and dislike discussing anything that may have a negative impact on their perceived masculinity or sexual prowess.

As a result, when men have difficulties achieving an erection, the majority would rather avoid intimacy and suffer in silence rather than bring attention to the problem and try to find a solution. This attitude is alien to the way a typical man would normally deal with a problem in his everyday life where he usually tries to be the problem solver!

I think if more men were aware that their medical condition and/or their medication was responsible for their ED then they would be more willing to discuss it with their partner and seek out a remedy.

The vast majority of men with ED can be optimistic and anticipate a return to satisfying sexual activity with the various treatments now available and successfully transform their lives.

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent Pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 29/08/15

https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/gonorrhoea-symptoms-and-treatment

Many people are lactose intolerant which is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and, to a lesser extent, in dairy products. Lactose is digested by lactase and can then be absorbed and utilised by the body. If you are lactose intolerant you do not produce enough lactase and therefore the lactose stays in the gut where it is fermented by gut bacteria and produces various gases that lead to diarrhoea, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea and bloating.

An allergy to lactose is far more serious as it involves the immune system and can result in wheezing or coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, an itchy skin rash or vomiting.

This means that people affected either have to limit the amount of lactose ingested or avoid it completely. Lactase substitutes, in the form of tablets or drops, can be obtained to take with your meals or drinks, to improve your digestion of lactose but it’s better to avoid it. Lactose intolerance varies greatly between different ethnic groups. For example, while only one in 50 people of northern European descent are thought to be lactose intolerant, most people of Chinese descent have the condition. In fact, hereditary or primary lactase deficiency affects 60% of the world’s adult population. The condition can develop at any time and many cases first occur between 20 and 40 years of age.

Unfortunately, many pharmaceutical tablets and capsules contain lactose as a “filler” or “binder”. Fillers are used to bulk out the active ingredient or the drug used in a particular medication as the amount of active drug in a tablet or capsule is very small. Therefore, to make the drug a more manageable size to handle, the pharmacologically inactive fillers are used to bulk out the tablet and increase its size.

However, this practise makes the medication unsuitable for those who are either allergic to lactose or lactose intolerant. There are other fillers that can be used by the pharmaceutical industry that do not cause any problems.

For this reason, the generic sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction that we supply from Webmed Pharmacy is lactose free.

Medically reviewed by: Super intendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 19/08/15

https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/gonorrhoea-symptoms-and-treatment

I am a pharmacist who has worked in Retail Pharmacy for over 25 years.

I had a business in Glasgow that I started in 1988 but over recent years have seen the change in peoples buying habits and the increasing difficulty of getting an appointment with your GP. I now see online pharmacies as the way of the future for busy people who want confidentiality and speed of service.

Webmed Pharmacy specialises in treatments for sensitive and intimate conditions where patients may feel awkward or embarrassed talking to their GP.

You can complete an online medical questionnaire in the comfort of your own home and, if suitable, can be prescribed treatment by one of our own Doctors.

Confidential, discreet next day delivery of medicines delivered within a 1 hour time slot to most postcodes in the UK. Which you can then track the driver in real time counting down to a 15 minute window. Or you can choose from one of our 2,500+ Pickup Stores.

Some of the conditions we treat are - Weight loss (Saxenda), Erectile dysfunction (Viagra / Sildenafil / Tadalafil), Premature ejaculation, hair loss in men, cystitis for women or kits to detect Sexually Transmitted infections (STI’s) and their treatment.

Solve your problem without having to go to your GP and have your medicine prescribed by a GMC regulated Doctor and when ordered before 4pm will be guaranteed delivery the next day.

Supplying only UK sourced medicines through our professional regulated pharmacy in discreet packaging with no reference to the pharmacy or medication.

How can I be sure that I'm buying genuine medication from a fully approved and Regulated UK pharmacy?  Is a question we are often asked. Click here to read our blog "Are you buying fake medicines online?" which tells you what to look for.

No longer do you have to wait around for days to see your GP or take time off work.