DIABETES AND YOU!
Diabetes mellitus is a disease condition in which there is a chronic rise in the level of blood glucose as a result of abnormal glucose (blood sugar) regulation, resulting from insulin deficiency or insulin poor performance.
There are two types of diabetes, they are ;
TYPE 1 DIABETES
TYPE 2 DIABETES.
TYPE 1 diabetes results from destruction to insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It also results from the low-level of insulin in the glucose-regulating hormone. It is also referred to as juvenile diabetes (common in children).
It can also result from auto-immune condition. An example is when the body's immune or defence system is hypersensitive, resulting in the self-destruction of it's own organs. This implies that the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed by the body defence system.
TYPE 2 diabetes results from the inability of insulin to regulate blood glucose effectively and efficiency. It is otherwise evident by the insulin inability to transport glucose into the body cells effectively.
Type 2 can be caused by being overweight, obesity, excessive fat in the body.
Type 1 is less common than type 2.
CAUSES OF DIABETES
The predisposing factors include auto-immune disease, genetic factor (family history), diseases of the pancreas, lifestyle issues such as sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, obesity, eating high calories and junk meals. Others include poor eating habits such as eating late, consumption of too much refined sugar (sweets, refined drinks).
SIGNS
These include ;
Excessive hunger/eating with associated weight loss,
Excessive thirst/drinking of water with excessive urination both day and night,
Blurring of vision,
Abnormal behaviour-irritability,
Confusion,
Fainting,
Unconsciousness,
Dryness of skin.
Recurrent multiple boils in the skin.
Delay skin wound healing.
Loss of sensation in the fingers and toe, etc.
HEALTHY GLUCOSE LEVEL
Normal fasting level is 70-99 mg/dL (3.9 - 5.5mmol/dL). For diabetes, it is FG- 126mg/dl (7mmol/L). The reading of 80-130mg/dL (4.4 - 7.2mmol/L) is a target for diabetes.
PRE-DIABETES
These are individuals with high risk of developing diabetes on the basis of their present blood sugar/glucose and associated risk factors for diabetes ( overweight, obesity, family history, cardiovascular risks such as high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol).
These individuals must be monitored for lifestyle adjustment for it not to develop into full blown diabetes.
On the basis of laboratory diagnosis, it involves individuals with normal but high fasting glucose.
DIABETES AND HEART/KIDNEY DISEASES RELATIONSHIP
Diabetes results in a dangerous level of blood glucose/sugar and abnormality in fat metabolism which damages the interior of blood vessels to the heart and the kidney. This could result in progressive damage and death of the cells and tissues of the heart and kidney. The consequence is progressive kidney disease and failure results, the blood-vessel to the heart are narrowed, resulting in coronary heart diseases and heart attack.
BLOOD SUGAR, BLOOD PRESSURE AND EYE HEALTH
High blood pressure and high sugar/glucose can damage the interior of the small blood vessels to the eyes. This can result in partial or total visual impairment/blindness.
DIABETES AND HEREDITARY
Diabetes can be hereditary in some people. The tendency to be diabetic is high when both parents have the condition. But it is mot in all cases.
CHECKING BLOOD GLUGOSE
It is adviced that it should be checked annually as part of regular medical check-up, though the warning signs may necessitate it.
MANAGING DIABETES
Doctors advice should be taken seriously.
Exercise is very important in the management of diabetes.
They should also maintain good diet.
Regular medical counselling.
Lifestyle training and discipline by sticking to weight reduction plan.
Weight monitoring especially for those with abdominal and high obesity.
Avoid eating late.
Cut down on refined sugar (drinks).