THE MENACE OF DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus a growing health problem in both developed and developing countries. In 2013, it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the world had type 1 diabetes and 215.6 millions with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and constitute the majority of case worldwide. It comprises 85 - 90 of all diabetes cases making it a significant public health issue in the majority of developed countries, moreover; there is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that type 2 diabetes is a consequence of increasing level of obesity , decreased level of activity.

The situation is not different in Nigeria, a survery movement found round in Nigeria homes revealed that in one (1) out of ten (10) homes one find a diabetes patients. One find youth as well as children suffering the same thing.
It is this situation that has necessitated this write up; we will therefore look at the meaning of diabetes, types of diabetes, symptoms and preventive measures.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes can be described as a group of metabolic disease in which a person has a high blood sugar or high blood glucose either because insulin production is inadequate or that the body cells does not respond properly.

We note that insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that help glucose (the main source of fuel for the body)

Types of diabetes

These are three types of diabetes namely:
(A) Type 1 diabetes
(B) Type 2 diabetes
(C) Gestational diabetes

(A) Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease (usually from abnormal immune response of the body against substance and issues normally present in the body) where the pancreas (An organic near the stomach that produce insulin) produces very little or no insulin at all.

Some people there refer to this type of diabetes as insulin dependent diabetes of juvenile diabetes or early onset diabetes.

People who get type 1 diabetes are usually under the age of 20, usually presenting itself when the person is a child or young adults.
From research, It is believe that type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition where the cell of the pancreas are attacked and they stop functioning.

Patients with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin for the rest of their life.
They must ensure proper blood glucose level by carrying out regular blood test and following special diet.

(B) Type 2 diabetes
In this type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not properly use it.

It is normally found in people who get over weight as they get older
Consequently sometimes called adult onset diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes considered a lifestyle disease because it is normally triggered by living a fairly sedimentary life. Some people may be able to control their diabetes symptoms by losing weight following a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercise and monitoring their blood glucose level.

(C)Gestational diabetes
This type affects female during pregnancy. It occurs when they are in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Some women have very high level of glucose in their blood and their blood unable to produce enough insulin to transport all the glucose into their cells, resulting in progressively rising level of glucose.

The majority of gestational diabetes patients can control their diabetes with exercise. 10 to 20% of the need take to some kind of blood glucose.

Controlling medication

undiagnosed or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can raise the risk of complications during childbirth/delivery. The baby may be bigger than he/she should be.

Symptoms of diabetes

The common symptoms of diabetes includes:
Urinating more often than usual particularly at night

• Feeling very tired

• Feeling very thirsty

• Unexplained weight loss

• Itching around the penis or vagina or frequent * episodes of thrust.

• Cuts or wounda that heal slowly

• Hyperventilation

Preventions/control of diabetes

(A) Physical exercise

There are many benefits of regular physical exercise
(i) Exercise can help you lose weight
(ii) Lower your blood sugar
(iii) Boost your sensitivity to insulin, helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range

(B) Eat plenty of fibre

It could be found in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds
This helps you to
(i) Reduce your risk of diabetes by improving your blood sugar control, also it lowers your risk of heart disease.

( C) Eat whole grain
These grains includes bread, pasta, cereal.
Whole grains maybe reduce your risk of diabetes and help maintain blood sugar level.

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