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Vaidah Mashangwa
DIABETES is a life-threatening disease to men and women, boys and girls. Quite a number of people worldwide die of diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Diabetes is a condition in which the body loses its ability to turn glucose (sugar) from food into usable energy. Some people have always mistakenly called it sugar diabetes.
Some of the symptoms are; frequent urination, excess thirst, blurred vision, acetone breath that is, sweet smelling, unexplained weight loss, cuts or bruises that do not heal fast, frequent infections, itchy skin, change in appetite, recurring vaginal infections and abdominal cramps. It is important to go for glucose testing when one experiences such symptoms.
When sugar levels are above the normal range that is 6,5mmol/l (millimoles per litre is a unit of measure that shows the concentration of a substance in a specific amount of fluid), the condition is called hyperglycaemia or impaired fasting glucose. People with diabetes are such that either they produce too little insulin or their cells do not respond to its action, thereby resulting in abnormally high levels of blood sugar.
While there is type one and type two diabetes, there is also gestational diabetes.
Type one is diabetes that starts in childhood while type two starts later in life. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. When the pregnancy is over it usually disappears. It is documented that women who experience this have a higher chance of developing diabetes later in life.
In terms of type two diabetes, the people have little or no ability to produce insulin and are entirely dependent on injections of insulin. While the cause of type one diabetes is unknown, possibilities are childhood infections and genetics. It must be noted that physical stress and illness may also be causal factor as the body produces additional glucose during such a time.
Research has revealed that 90 percent of people with diabetes have type two. In this case the pancreas retain the ability to produce insulin, but the quantity may be inadequate for the body’s need or the insulin cannot be used to its full extent by the body. Many people in this category are overweight and require treatment. The physician may prescribe a weight-reducing diet and an exercise programme. It must be noted that diabetes may lead to other serious conditions hence early detection is important.
The reason for giving medication to diabetes patients is to keep normal blood glucose levels without causing again low blood sugar levels that are less than 3,3 mmol/l. Low blood sugar levels may also be triggered by what the person eats or timing of the meals themselves as well as increased physical activity or over-treatment.
It may be necessary to also change the amount and type of medication being taken if low blood sugar levels persist. It is important to take a self-introspect of one’s diet and condition on a day-to-day basis so that normal blood sugar levels are maintained.
The importance of regular blood testing cannot be overemphasised. For those who have daily injections, these have to be stored carefully and the prescribed storage requirements have to be adhered to.
The early signs of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) include among others sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion and jitteriness. When this happens a quick intake of items with sugar such as candy/sweet can help. If low levels are too regular then there is a need to alter medication. It is also important for those who experience low blood sugar levels to avoid driving after an episode and regular eye test are a must. For those who take alcohol, it is important to avoid alcohol intake. Smoking should be avoided or stopped at all costs as it may trigger further complications.
One factor that most diabetes patients forget is to carry details of their diabetes condition with them together with contact telephone numbers in case of emergency. This can be in the form of a bracelet or a neck chain. High or low blood sugar levels can be quite fatal and hence such details are important. Why not take a step further and save life, identification is important.
In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat food from all the groups daily that is carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fats and oils. However, diabetes patients should eat less of fat and oil foods or even avoid using oil. At times there is need to eat just one serving or a piece of certain foods at any given time. Examples include eating one strip of bacon, one small apple, two slices of bread, one cup of skim milk, one cup of cornflakes at any given time.
A doctor may also provide a guideline of the type of food that one should eat and the number of servings from each food group. It is also very important to adhere to the diet that is stipulated by the health provider.
Vaidah Mashangwa is the provincial development officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. She can be contacted on 0772111592/09-889224 email: [email protected]
Online Reporter