About Diabetes

WHAT IS DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus is a non communicable disease which is influenced by behavioural lifestyle modifications. A person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too high (hyperglycemia). This is because the body either does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces. Lacking sufficient insulin, their blood sugar/glucose rises to a high level. Some of this excess glucose eventually passes out of the body in the urine. So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.

Diabetes is a global epidemic and it kills over 4 million people annually. In addition to these severe health consequences, this disease intersects with all aspects of human, economic and social development, and impacts most cruelly on low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diabetes results in high healthcare expenditure, loss of labour productivity and decreased rates of economic growth.

TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1 Diabetes

Formerly known as insulin-dependent or childhood-onset diabetes. In this type of diabetes, the body has destroyed the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body cells use glucose for energy. Affected persons are unable to produce insulin hence daily administration of insulin injections is required.

Type 2 Diabetes

Previously known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. A person with this type of diabetes either does not produce enough insulin, or suffers from insulin resistance (the insulin produced is not enough or is not working properly). Type 2 diabetics can often avoid taking insulin and other medications if they reform their health behaviours. Medical experts say that central obesity i.e. fat concentrated around the waist in relation to abdominal organs may make individuals more predisposed to developing type 2 diabetes. In Nigeria, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. It usually resolves after the birth of the child. However such a woman should be monitored and placed on preventive regime to avoid developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

WARNING SIGNS/SYMPTOPMS OF DIABETES

The most common symptoms of Diabetes are:

• Frequent urination
• Disproportionate thirst
• Intense hunger
• Weight gain
• Unusual weight loss: This is more common among people with type 1 diabetes.
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Delay healing of cuts and bruises.
• Frequent skin and/or yeast infections
• Sexual dysfunction among men: If you are over 50years and experience frequent or constant sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction), it could be a symptom of diabetes.

DIABETES PREVENTION

Diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle modifications mainly through increased physical activities (regular exercise) and healthy eating habits. Physical activity helps control blood glucose level.

30 – 45 minutes of exercise or physical activity for at least three days in a week is advised.

Exercise helps get the Body Mass Index (BMI) to the normal weight. BMI = Weight (kg)/Height * Height(m).

BMI                Weight Status

Below 18.5      Underweight

18.5 -24.9        Normal

25 - 29.9          Overweight

30 & Above     Obese

The fundamental diabetic diet should be: Low Fat, Low Cholesterol, High Fibre, Lots of Fresh foods and Fruits.

Diabetics should stick to Non-Starch Vegetables (Spinach, Carrots or Broccoli), Whole grains, Fruits, Non-Fat Diary products, Lean Meat (Skinned Poultry).