Asthma and Diabetes

Asthma is increasingly common in NZ.  Making a plan with your GP or Practice Nurse on how to manage your asthma is the best way to live a full and active life.  Linked to our focus on managing asthma is our Smoke Cessation programmes.

Having diabetes means you need to take greater care of yourself.  There’s more to it than just blood sugar – other health risks are raised as well.
Find out if you have a high risk of having or developing diabetes:

Do any two of these fit you?

• European, 40 years of age or older
• Diabetes in your family (Grandparents, parents, brothers or sisters)
• Maori, Asian, Middle Eastern or Pacific Island descent, aged 30 years or older
• High blood pressure
• Overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your waist)
• Diagnosed as having Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)

If so, you should have your blood glucose tested by a health professional once every year. And make the following changes to reduce your risk:

• Stay physically active and get regular daily exercise (walking is good)
• Eat healthy food
• Keep your weight in a healthy range