WHAT IS DIABETES? TYPES, DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION.

DIABETES.

DIABETES IS?

diabetes is a lifelong condition characterized by high blood sugar resulting from:

lack or insufficient production of insulin.

Insulin resistance.( inaction)

both.

Insulin is a chemical produced by the pancreas which helps the body utilize glucose.

It acts like a key that opens the body cells for glucose to enter so that it can be used for energy production.

Types of diabetes.

There are 3 main types of diabetes;

Type 1: Results from inability of the body to produce insulin.

Can develop at any age but usually occurs before the age of 30.

People with type 1 diabetes need insulin for survival.

Type 2: Develops when the body cannot make enough insulin or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly ( known as insulin resistance.)

Usually appears in people over the age of 40, but it is becoming more common in the young.

It can be controlled by a healthy diet, increased physical activity and oral drugs and later may eventually require insulin for control.

Diabetes during pregnancy: Women may develop diabetes during pregnancy also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GBM).

All pregnant women should be screened for diabetes in a health facility.

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES MELLITUS.

The exact cause of diabetes is unknown.

Factors that we cannot change and are not in our control:

History of diabetes in the family (In close relative.)

Age ( older people.)

Pregnant women.

People with high blood pressure.

And then there are those that in our control:

Excess weight/obesity.

Diet high in sugar and fat.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES MELLITUS.

Diabetes has many signs and symptoms that are often mistaken for other common diseases.

Sometimes people with diabetes may have no symptoms or may complain of some of the following;

Frequent urination.

Excessive thirst.

Extreme hunger.

Unexplained weight loss.

Increased fatigue.

Iritabillity.

Blurred vision.

Itching of the private parts in women.

Slow healing of cuts and wounds.

Impotance - failure to sustain an erection.

Numbness, burning sensations, pins and needles on the feet and hands.

PREVENTION OF DIABETES.

1. Eat healthy foods- more vegetables and fruits,less carbohydrates, fats, sugar and salts.

2. Avoid of alcohol and tobacco use . If you are currently using alohol or tobacco seek assistance to quit.

3. Exercise regularly . At least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

4. Visit your nearest health facility for regular checkups for diabetes and blood pressure.

EARLY DETECTION AND PROPER TREATMENT PREVENTS COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES.

HOW TO MANAGE DIABETES.

1. Diabetes education.

2. Proper nutrition.

3. Physical activity.

4. Weight control.

5. Cessation of smoking.

6. Cessation of alcohol intaka.

7. Adherence to diabetes drugs intake.

8. Self-monitoring of blood glucose .

HEALTHY DIET.

There is no such thing as a diabetic diet, what matters is;

1. PORTION

Small portions - avoid over and under eating.

At least 3 main meals and two snacks in between.

Control what and how much you eat or drink.

2. TIMING

Eat regular meals.

Dont skip or delay your meals.

3. TYPE OF FOOD .

Eat unrefined food and avoid processed foods.

Eat more vegetables and fruits.

Reduce sugar, salts and fats in your diet.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIABETES.

Physical activity should be regular at least 3 days per week, lasting at least 20 - 30 minutes per session.

Self monitoring of blood glucose you can involve yourself include;

Housework.

Gardening.

Walking

Cycling.

Jogging.

Weight lifting.

Rope jumping.

Swimming.

Indoor exercises e.g. sit ups and press ups .

COMPLICATINS OF DIABETES .

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to complicatons such as;

Heart attack.

Stroke.

Kidney problems.

Eye problems.

Foot problems.

Sexual disfunction.

Low blood sugar.

Unconciousness/ coma .

These problems can be avoided or improved with good control of your blood sugar.

SCREENING OF DIABETES .

Diagnosis of diabetes is done at a health facility and by a qualified health provider.

Diabetes is diagnosed by signs, symptoms, and measuring the level of blood sugar also known as blood glucose test.

Screening of diabetes is done performing a random sugar test [done at any time of the day], by a trained and authorized personnel.

The normal levels for a random blood sugar test is 3.5 to 7.8mmol/l.

Any level of sugars above 7.8mmol/l should be referred to a health facility for further assessment.

A person living with diabetes and has a blood sugar level below 3.5mmol/l should be given a sweetened drink like tea, soda, juice or sweets or table sugar and referred immediately to a health facility.

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS OF DIABETES .

Myth: Diabetes is a disease of the rich.

Fact : Diabetes knows no boundaries and affects all the people across the world.

Myth: Diabetes is the result of eating too much sugar.

Fact: Diabetes is a result of lack of insulin that is essential for the control of blood sugar in the body. However, taking taking too much sugar may lead to obesity and overweight that are risk factors for developing diabetes

Myth: Only older people get diabetes.

Fact : Diabetes knows no boundaries and affects all the people across the world. despite older people being at a higher risk of developing diabetes, younger people also need to take precaution.

Myth: Diabetes get cured after a while.

Fact : Diabetes results from gradual damage to the cells producing insulin in the body. The damaged cells cannot be brought back to life. Once an individual develops diabetes, he/she shall need lifelong treatment that ranges from diet, exercises and or with drugs.

Myth: Diabetes is a result of curse/ witchcraft.

Fact: Diabetes is as a result of lack of insulin that is essential for the control of blood sugar in the body. Spiritual support enhances good control of blood sugar.

Myth: Traditional healers can cure diabetes using nutritional and herbal supplements .

Fact : Diabetes result from a gradual damage to the cells producing insulin in the body. Diabetes has no cure and can only be controlled by a combination of diet, exercises or drugs.