How to beat Diabetes

Welcome to another health update from the Port Moresby General Hospital, with World Health Day on April 7th we would like to share with you some valuable information on the 2016 topic - Diabetes.

From World Health Organization - 
Every year, the World Health Organization selects a priority area of global public health concern as the theme for World Health Day, which falls on 7 April, the birthday of the Organization.

The theme for World Health Day 2016 will be diabetes, a non-communicable disease (NCD) directly impacting millions of people of globally, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose which may over time lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing in the past few decades, in particular in low- and middle-income countries. Knowledge exists to reverse this trend through targeted prevention and appropriate care. Diabetes, the main forms of which are type 1 and type 2 diabetes is not just a health issue. Diabetes and its complications bring about a substantial economic loss to people with diabetes and their families, and to health systems and national economies through direct medical costs and loss of work and wages.

Working to prevent, detect and treat diabetes is also critical to development. Within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Governments have set an ambitious target to reduce premature mortality from NCDs – including diabetes – by one-third; achieve universal health coverage, and provide access to affordable essential medicines – all by 2030. Diabetes, therefore, is an issue relevant to people around the world, as well as multiple stakeholders, including government, civil society, the private sector, and intergovernmental agencies.
For more information, head to: http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/en/

What is Diabetes? 
For our bodies to work properly, we need to maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for our bodies and is carried around the body in the bloodstream. Glucose comes from the carbohydrate foods we eat ex: bread, pasta, rice, cereals, fruits, milk and yogurt. The body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose which then enters the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells in the pancreas. When we eat, insulin is released into the bloodstream where it helps to move glucose from the food we have eaten into cells to be used as energy. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce the insulin needed because the cells that produce the insulin have been destroyed by the body’s immune system. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/or the insulin does not work effectively to meet the body’s needs.

Complications of Diabetes from World Health Organization (WHO) - Over time diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In a multinational study, 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke). Combined with reduced blood flow, neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet increases the chance of foot ulcers, infection and eventual need for limb amputation. Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. One percent of global blindness can be attributed to diabetes. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure. The overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is, at least, double the risk of their peers without diabetes. 

Types of Diabetes 
The most common types of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes - Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce the insulin needed because the cells that produce the insulin have been destroyed by the body’s immune system. As the body needs insulin to survive, people with type 1 diabetes must replace this insulin every day.  Usually diagnosed in childhood, teens and young adult years, type 1 diabetes can, however, occur at any age. The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, and there is no cure; however, diabetes can be successfully managed with insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, nutrition, and exercise. Without insulin, the body burns its own fats as a substitute which releases chemical substances in the blood. Without ongoing injections of insulin, the dangerous chemical substances will accumulate and can be life threatening if it is not treated (ketoacidosis).

Type 2 diabetes - Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/or the insulin does not work effectively to meet the body’s needs. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes described as a ‘lifestyle disease’ because it is more common in people who don’t do enough physical activity, and who are overweight or obese. Lifestyle risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, those with low levels of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, having had gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Type 2 accounts for the vast majority of people living with diabetes globally. Once seen only in adults, type 2 diabetes is now increasingly occurring in children and young people. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, however, there is no cure. Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications. Those at risk for type 2 diabetes should see a doctor for a blood glucose test.

Gestational Diabetes - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. You are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes if you are over 30 years of age, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are overweight, are from certain ethnic backgrounds, have had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies, have previously had polycystic ovary syndrome or previously given birth to a large baby. Gestational diabetes can often initially be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity, however, for some women with gestational diabetes, insulin injections will be necessary for the rest of the pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery including having a large baby, stillbirth, and miscarriage. While maternal blood glucose levels usually return to normal after birth, there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future; the child is also at an increased risk.

Pre-diabetes - Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. There are two pre-diabetes conditions: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes and Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) where fasting blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Risk factors for pre-diabetes are similar to those for type 2 diabetes which are: Being overweight (especially those who have excess weight around the waistline), being physically inactive, having high triglycerides (bad cholesterol) and low HDL-C (good cholesterol) having high blood pressure, having a family history of type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease. Those with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or have had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or from certain ethnic backgrounds such as the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Indian sub-continent are also at an increased risk. Pre-diabetes has no signs or symptoms. For those diagnosed with pre-diabetes, treatment involves the same lifestyle changes that are recommended for people diagnosed with diabetes including physical activity, healthy eating and if necessary losing weight. 

Symptoms - 
Some types of diabetes have no symptoms however symptoms can include: 
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained changes in weight (gain or loss)
- Extreme hunger
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Having cuts, that heal slowly
- itching and skin infections
- blurred vision
- mood swings
- Leg cramps
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy

Management of Diabetes - 
Management depends on the type of diabetes, however, can include:
- Insulin injections or insulin pump
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Being physically active
- Taking any medications exactly as prescribed.
- Weight management
- Quitting smoking
- See your doctor for regular health check ups.
- Maintain a healthy well-balanced diet.
- Seek medical advice if you feel unwell or are finding managing your diabetes difficult.

Reducing your Risk of Diabetes - 
Make a few healthy lifestyle changes which have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. 
Know your diabetes risk - Talk to your doctor.
Weight management - Through healthy eating a regular physical activity.
Exercise regularly - Exercise for 30mins most days of the week which will assist in weight management, reduce blood glucose levels and may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol. New to exercise? Talk to your doctor.
Eat a healthy well-balanced diet – reduce your salt and fat intake particularly trans and saturated fats. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and high fibre foods.
Limit processed foods - These are usually high in salt.
Limit your alcohol intake – If you are finding this difficult see your doctor.
Quit Smoking - Smokers are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Having trouble quitting? See your doctor.
Manage blood pressure – Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet and take your blood pressure medication if advised by your doctor.
Get regular check-ups – Talk to your doctor about any changes in your health.   

When sharing this information please credit Port Moresby General Hospital. Contact us for more information or if you have any questions. info@portmoresbygeneralhospital.com

 

Author: 
Press Release