Weight management Resources

In the second part of our Monitoring matters series, Callum Metcalfe-O’Shea, advanced nurse practitioner and UK professional lead for long-term conditions with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), discusses the role of weight management in relation to long-term conditions. For the purpose of this article, again the term long-term conditions will cover type 2 diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), autoimmune
rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s/colitis). With advances and changes in how weight is addressed in general practice, this article highlights key issues faced and helps general practice nurses (GPNs) to recognise the value they play in supporting patients in their healthcare journey. Treatment options are also considered when appropriate in condition-related areas only.

Four million — or one in 16 — adults in the UK have diabetes (whether or not they are aware of it), and this figure is predicted to increase to an estimated five million by 2025 (Diabetes UK, 2015). The majority have type 2 diabetes and the focus of this article will be on the role of general practice nurses (GPNs) in managing type 2 diabetes, although an overview of pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, gestational and steroid-induced diabetes will be provided. The author will also discuss the best current dietary advice that GPNs can provide for patients so that they can manage their own diabetes, as well as looking at the support available for GPNs to facilitate self-care in their day-to-day practice.