Amazing dogs changing lives for the better

Over the last 10 years, since I founded the charity Medical Detection Dogs, I have seen for myself what things these amazing dogs are able to do for human beings. Even before that, I was aware of the incredible benefits dogs could bring.  When I qualified as a behavioural psychologist at Swansea and Warwick Universities, […]

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Weight gain – why me?

obesity

Many of us, myself included, struggle to control our weight. Unlike many of the generations that preceded us most of the people in the UK struggle to control our urge to eat. Previous generations may have had similar urges but, certainly for my grandparents and their forbearers overeating just wasn’t an option; there was barely […]

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Footing the bill for diabetes

feet hovering over water

The world’s first Diabetic Foot Clinic was opened in 1981 at King’s College Hospital by Professor Michael Edmonds. Since I jointly set up the Diabetic Foot Clinic at King’s College Hospital in 1981, I have seen how multidisciplinary care can have a huge impact on patient outcomes. Specialists working together under one roof can intervene […]

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Mental health inequalities for deaf and disabled people

Train Station Platform Arrows

Mental health inequalities for disabled and deaf people are a significant problem, according to a report published last week by the London Assembly Health Committee. Studies have shown that disabled and deaf people are more likely to experience common mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. Around one in three people with chronic physical impairment […]

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Obesity – the last acceptable prejudice

Figure animals and hunter on the stone wall of the cave paint ocher ancient prehistoric Neanderthal. prehistoric animal, stone age hunting for deer

Obesity is the last socially-acceptable prejudice, wrongly seen as an avoidable condition which people bring upon themselves. Unfortunately, this prejudice carries over to the NHS – an issue that I have witnessed first hand. What I now know, as an obesity clinician and researcher for the last 14 years at University College London, is that obesity, which […]

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Depression and diabetes

Depressed looking line drawing of head

To mark the WHO’s World Health Day 2017 which, this year, focuses on depression, we talk to Robin Hewings, head of policy for the charity Diabetes UK. People with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from depression th the average adult living in the UK and may also have depressive periods for longer than those without […]

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Five reasons to drink more water

Water. Abstract background

Water is the second most popular drink in the US ….after fizzy drinks. A shocking statistic when you consider that our love of sugary drinks is one reason for soaring levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke and more. And that’s not even taking into account the rising popularity of specialist coffees served in most […]

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The Aluminium Age

We are living in The Aluminium Age. Throughout the history of humankind we have lived through various ‘metal ages’ including the Iron Age and the Bronze Age. Towards the end of the nineteenth century there was arguably one of the most important technological advances of the modern era. A method was developed to make aluminium […]

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Emerging technologies in diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes, which is a lifelong autoimmune condition which means that the body is unable to produce insulin, are already benefiting from emerging technologies which make it easier for them to manage their condition and stay healthy. The tried-and-tested method of intermittent blood glucose testing has now been superseded by continuous glucose […]

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A world-class gathering of diabetes professionals

Today sees the start of the 2017 Diabetes UK Professional Congress held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. Over the next three days, we will welcome over 2000 professional delegates from the UK and many different countries all over the world to take part in workshops, listen to respected invited speakers and discuss hot topics […]

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