10 July, 2007

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) has today issued a reminder to people living with diabetes that medicines may not be the only management option.

Coinciding with National Diabetes Week, NPS acting CEO Judith Mackson, today said that the  principles of quality use of medicines encourage doctors and people living with a chronic condition  to look at the best possible treatment blend, and this means looking at both medicines and  lifestyle factors.

The number of Australians with diabetes has tripled since 1981 and continues to increase. In  2000, almost 1 million people had diabetes – this is predicted to reach 1.6 million people by 2030.

“We encourage people living with diabetes to talk to their doctor about developing the best  management plan to improve their health” said Ms Mackson.

Medicines play an essential role in managing diabetes but so do other aspects such as healthy  eating and physical activity. Improving aspects of your lifestyle — such as eating healthy food,  quitting smoking, increasing your physical activity — are essential in diabetes and may even improve how well your medicine works.

“Getting to know your medicines is an important part of managing many chronic illnesses and  especially in diabetes when medicines are used,” said Ms Mackson. “This includes selecting your  medicines management options wisely, choosing suitable medicines; if a medicine is considered necessary and using medicines safely and effectively.”

People often require several different medicines for their diabetes and related conditions. Their  medicines and medicine plans are often updated as their condition changes. People with diabetes  should ask questions and get to know each of their medicines. The NPS Medicines List can help people living with diabetes keep track of their medicines changes.

NPS would encourage people with diabetes to ask their doctor, pharmacist, diabetes educator or  contact the NPS Medicines Line 1300 888 763 with any questions you may have about your  medicines. Obtain a Consumer Medicine Information leaflet for each of your medicines for diabetes from your pharmacist or www.nps.org.au

Medicines Lists, and Medicines Line fridge magnets are available at no  cost at www.nps.org.au

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.