Diabetes: Know the Facts

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated on 14 November each year, a campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

This annual day aims to raise awareness of the effects of diabetes and puts the spotlight on prevention and lifestyle changes such as regular check-ups, achieving a healthy body weight and exercise.  

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it has.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that transforms the glucose found in the food we eat into energy.

Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes. These include:

Type 1 Diabetes

Currently, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. This type of diabetes may affect people of any age, but usually develops in children and young adults under the age of 30, whose bodies produce very little or no insulin.

People suffering from this form of diabetes need daily injections of insulin to help control the levels of glucose in their blood.

Type 2 Diabetes

Approximately 85-90% of people with diabetes are type 2 diabetics. This type of diabetes occurs when the insulin in your body is either not enough or does not work properly.

Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age and can remain undetected for many years. However, through maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise), people with type 2 diabetes are able to manage their condition. 

Many people with type 2 diabetes usually don’t show any symptoms. It’s important to note these signs:

• Unusual weight loss
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, boils and itching skin
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Tingling and numbness in the your hands and feet
• Frequent infections

Gestational diabetes (GDM)

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy but both mother and child have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future.

Diagnosed with Diabetes, What Now?

Having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a normal life. The most important thing is to learn how to manage your condition.

Research has shown that simple lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes from getting out of hand.

When suffering from diabetes, the main goal is to bring your blood glucose (sugar) levels into the normal range, between 4-6mmol/l.

All it takes is commitment and perseverance.

Here are a few tips to help you keep manage diabetes:

• Lifestyle changes: Eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Education: Educate yourself and learn all there is to know about diabetes.
• Quit smoking: People with diabetes are encouraged to stop smoking to decrease risk factors.
• Medication: People living with type 1 diabetes require daily injections of insulin to stay alive. Make sure to go for regular check-ups.
• Lifestyle Management: Learning to reduce stress levels can help you manage your blood glucose levels.

Sources:
International World Diabetes Federation
Diabetes South Africa