What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is the name given to a condition caused by an abnormally high glucose (sugar) level in the blood. This is caused by the inability of the body to either produce or respond to insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas and is necessary to move glucose from the bloodstream into the body cells. The body cells need glucose for energy. If the pancreas produces too little insulin, blood glucose levels continue to rise as glucose is not removed from the bloodstream. This is called hyperglycaemia. This blood glucose is not just sugar from eating table sugar, jam or other sweet foods. It comes from the breakdown of all foods which contain carbohydrates.
When blood glucose levels are high it spills over into your urine.
The amount of blood glucose in your blood is measured in millimols per litre. The normal range is considered to be 4-6 mmol/l.
Why do some people get Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common condition which affects about two million people in South Africa of all ages, all races, both men and women from all walks of life.
Scientists are not sure what causes diabetes. They do know that people:
- who are overweight;
- who do little exercise and
- have a family history of diabetes
are most at risk.
Is diabetes serious?
YES, diabetes is serious if left untreated or is not well managed. The high levels of glucose in blood can damage nerves and blood vessels, resulting in numerous complications. These include heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, amputation of limbs and erectile dysfunction or impotence.
These complications can be delayed and prevented, if diabetes is diagnosed early and managed carefully.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unusual weight loss
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, boils and itching skin
- Tingling and numbness in the hand or feet
HOWEVER, MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES MAY SHOW NO SYMPTOMS.
Types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes:
Generally occurs in infants, children and young people, but is most of the time diagnosed before the age of 30 years. The onset is usually sudden and dramatic, as these individuals do not produce enough insulin.
Type 2 diabetes:
Generally occurs in patients (adults over 40) who are overweight and do not exercise. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, but it remains undiagnosed in many people as its onset is gradual and hard to detect. It is caused when the insulin, which the pancreas produces, is either not enough or does not work properly.
Increasing numbers of younger people are being affected by type 2 adultonset diabetes mellitus.
Risk factors for developing diabetes include:
- Being aged 35 or over
- Being overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle)
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Having given birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg at birth, or have had diabetes during pregnancy
- Having high cholesterol or other fats in the blood
- Having high blood pressure or heart disease
Treatment of diabetes:
Be active
Being active every day will help to improve your blood glucose control. Your body uses insulin better when you exercise. Exercise also helps with weight. Any activiety or exercise is better than no exercise.
Follow a healthy, high-fibre, low-fat eating plan
Good nutrition is important because it improved your blood glucose control. Everyone in the family should follow this healthy plan. How much you eat and when you eat are as important as what you eat. Try to eat regular meals that are high in complex carbohydrates and fibre and low in fat.
If you are overweight, your blood glucose control will improve if you lose some weight.
Take the correct medication
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections every day to stay alive. People with type 2 may need to take tablets or later even insulin injections to improve their glucose control.
Test your blood glucose
It is important to test your blood glucose regularly so that you can make sure that your diabetes management - activity, eating plan and prossibly medication - is working well.
The good news ...
Diabetes can be treated and complications prevented if diagnosed early.
If you are concerned, speak to your Healtcare Professional and have your blood glucose levels tested.
For further information, please contact Diabetes SA at (011) 792 9888/7 or visit their website: www.diabetessa.co.za