Chronic Diseases Flashcards
What are the diagnostic criteria for pre-diabetes?
• Impaired fasting glucose (IFG): 6.1 - 6.9 mmol/L
• Impaired glucose tolerance (OGTT): 7.8 - 11.1 mmol/L
• HbA1c: 6 - 6.4%
• Crucial opportunity for lifestyle changes
What are the key characteristics of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)?
• Autoimmune condition
• Immune system attacks & destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
• Requires lifelong insulin therapy
What are the key characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)?
• Linked to lifestyle factors
• Insulin resistance/insufficiency
• Managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and insulin therapy
What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and what are its risks?
• Occurs during pregnancy
• Usually resolves after childbirth
• Increases risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life
What are the complications of poorly controlled diabetes?
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Neuropathy
• Retinopathy
• Other metabolic complications
What are the main goals of the Heart Foundation?
• Promoting awareness – educate the public about heart health, risk factors & prevention
• Supporting research – better understanding of causes & treatments
• Advocacy – policies promoting heart health (healthier food options, tobacco control, increased physical activity levels)
• Community outreach – workshops, campaigns & resources
• Support & rehab – recovery support for individuals with heart conditions
• Fundraising – to support heart health initiatives
What is osteoporosis and how does it affect bone health?
• Characterised by a decrease in bone density & quality
• Leads to fragile, brittle bones susceptible to fractures
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
• Age
• Postmenopause & hormonal changes
• Gender (women at higher risk)
• Genetics
• Poor diet (low calcium & vitamin D)
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking & excessive alcohol intake
• Medical conditions or medications
Which bones are most commonly fractured in osteoporosis?
• Hips
• Spine
• Wrists
• Ribs
• Fractures can occur with minimal trauma
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
• Bone mineral density test using a DEXA scan
• Diagnosis may lead to medications to slow bone loss, increase bone density & reduce fracture risk
How can osteoporosis be prevented and managed?
• Maintaining a balanced diet with calcium & vitamin D
• Regular weight-bearing & muscle-strengthening exercises
• Avoiding smoking & excessive alcohol intake
• Medications: bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide
• Fall prevention strategies & lifestyle adjustments
Which dietary factors are associated with reduced cancer risk?
• High intake of fruits & vegetables – lowers risk of lung, ENT, upper GI & colorectal cancer
• Whole grains & fibre – linked to reduced colorectal cancer risk & supports digestion
• Plant-based diet – reduces risk of several cancers
Which dietary factors increase the risk of cancer?
• Red & processed meats – linked to colorectal & stomach cancers
• Sugary foods & drinks – associated with obesity & increased risk of breast, colorectal & pancreatic cancer
• Excess alcohol consumption – increases risk of ENT, oesophageal, liver, breast & colorectal cancer
What are the benefits of antioxidants in cancer prevention?
• Found in berries, citrus fruits, and dark leafy greens
• Help protect from oxidative stress
• May reduce the risk of cancer
What non-dietary factors contribute to cancer risk?
• Genetics
• Physical inactivity
• Tobacco use
• Exposure to environmental carcinogens
What are key aspects of promoting healthy children?
• Nutrition – balanced diet for growth & development
• Physical activity – active play & exercise to build muscles, bones & prevent obesity
• Regular health check-ups & vaccinations – monitor growth & overall health
• Mental & emotional wellbeing – supportive environment & addressing stress/anxiety
• Sleep – essential for growth, cognitive development & health
• Safety – childproofing, car seats, personal safety education
• Screen time – limit & encourage creative/social activities
• Hygiene – handwashing, dental care, general cleanliness
• Emphasis on play – promotes creativity, social skills & cognitive growth
• Education – supports intellectual stimulation
• Family support – nurturing environment fosters security & emotional stability
