How can we cope with the increase in diabetes?

There is an increasing concern that the cost of treating diabetes may bankrupt the National Health Service, as there has been a massive rise in the number of cases over recent years.

According to a Guardian report, Diabetes UK has issued a warning that the cost of diabetes treatment is spiraling out of control as the result of the 60% rise in cases over the last 10 years.

Causes of diabetes

Identifying and tackling the causes of diabetes is vital, and the good news is that diabetes is often preventable. Research claims that sugary drinks, regardless of size, may cause people to develop type 2 diabetes. Obesity is the biggest preventable factor and if the current trend is maintained, one in three people will be obese and one in ten will be diabetic by 2034.

A healthy diet is essential for preventing diabetes and it has been suggested that schools should teach pupils about healthy eating, what 2,000 calories look like, and how to refuse unhealthy alternatives. Sport and exercise are also important as part of a healthy lifestyle and for weight control.

Diabetes care

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has identified nine processes of care for diabetes. These are tests that all diabetics should have annually; however, 40% of diabetics do not currently have them all, meaning that they are at higher risk of complications such as blindness and kidney problems. It is estimated that 80% of the 100 amputations carried out each week would be preventable if patients received optimal care. There is a new initiative to encourage healthcare professionals to identify patients at high risk of diabetes because of an inherited tendency or because they are obese and to offer intervention at an early stage.

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The increase in cases of diabetes can only be stemmed by a total change in our lifestyle, with an evidence-based behavioral programme currently being developed by the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme to prevent the increase in obesity and consequently diabetes.

What to consider when converting commercial to residential

With the UK housing market still struggling to meet demand, more investors are looking at the prospect of converting their commercial portfolios into residential homes but there are a number of areas that you need to consider when doing so.

According to data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the amount of commercial space across the country is declining at the fastest rate since records were started in 1998. Many of these buildings are being used for residential developments, especially with the loosening of planning rules which has made it easier to make the conversion to residential use. If you’re looking to convert a commercial premise into residential use, what should you consider?

Convert or develop

One of the first decisions will need to be whether you intend to convert the existing building on a site or knock down the property and start again. Both have their benefits on a practical and financial level and it will largely depend on the state of the current property and its suitability for residential use.

You will need to factor in the ability to bring a building up to the right standards for it to be habitable, such as how you can install the appropriate fire prevention measures. One option would be to speak to Automist installers in Bristol about using that system. It can be fitted into existing buildings, even those of a period style, in order to meet building regulations.

Need for planning permission

In 2013 the Government introduced a temporary addition to Permitted Development rights which enables office space to be converted to residential use without the need for planning permission. The current rulings apply to projects that will be completed by May 2016. There is no current confirmation if these rights are to be extended, but news on any further changes or addition to the Permitted Development rules should be made public soon.

If you are unsure if your project meets the requirements of Permitted Development then you should speak to your local planning department. They will be able to talk you through the process and tell you whether your conversion project falls within the rules or requires planning permission.

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