Diabetes is one of the major causes of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. Worldwide, the number of people with diabetes is increasing. Below we answer some questions.
- What is diabetes and are what are the types?
The sugar in our blood is regulated by insulin. When insulin produced by the body is not enough or cannot be effectively used, diabetes occurs. This means that one can have diabetes due to the fact they cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Such diabetes is known as Type 2 Diabetes and account for about 95% of diabetes cases. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when one is unable to produce enough insulin due to a deficiency in the insulin production. During pregnancy, a woman’s blood sugar can be raised above normal value but below the value to classify it as diabetes. This is known as gestational diabetes. There are also instances where an individual may be in between normal values and diabetes value and this condition is known as Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG). - What causes diabetes and does a high sugar diet cause diabetes?
The factors or elements that cause the deficiency in the insulin production as seen in Type 1 diabetes are currently not known. Overweight and physical inactivity contribute to the body’s inability to effectively use the insulin produced as seen in Type 2 Diabetes. A high sugar diet is a contributing factor for excess weight gain. - Who gets diabetes?
From 2 above, everyone can get diabetes especially if we do not maintain a healthy weight, eat unhealthily, and stay inactive. Type 2 diabetes used to occur only in adults but now there are occurrences in children as well. Family history and pregnancy can put one at a higher risk. - How can one know that he or she has diabetes?
Testing confirms if one has diabetes. If you experience any of these symptoms: persistent hunger and thirst, weight loss, vision changes, tiredness, and excessive urination, contact your health professional for early testing. Early diagnoses greatly improve treatment outcomes. - How can diabetes be treated? How can I manage my diabetes better?
Treatment differs even with individuals with the same type of diabetes. We will therefore recommend that you work with your health professional after diagnosis to develop a diet and physical activity plan suitable for you as well as prescribe the medication suitable for your individual situation. It is important to seek early treatment to avoid or delay any negative health impact. - What can I do to help prevent diabetes? Can diabetes be prevented?
One can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes by eating healthily (cutting down on sugar and fat intake), staying active, avoiding the use of tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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Written and reviewed by: Irene Danquah, ANutr
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024