Diabetes

Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when blood glucose levels remain
above normal limits. In simple terms, this happens if the body cannot convert the
sugars and starches in our food into energy. It can happen to all age groups, but
mostly in adults and elderly people.
Risk factors for diabetes are unhealthy diet, overweight/obesity, family history of
diabetes, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and physical inactivity.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Early symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, constant hunger,
weight loss, very dry skin, vision changes and fatigue. But these symptoms often
go unnoticed. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset,
once complications have already arisen. Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired
fasting glycaemia are intermediate conditions and risk categories for future
development of diabetes.
What happens when complications in diabetes occur?
If diabetes is not properly controlled, complications may occur. These include:
1. Heart disease
2. Stroke.
3. Blindness.
4. Numbness in feet, which increase the chance of foot ulcers and eventual limb
amputation.
5. Kidney failure
What is the treatment for diabetes?
Diabetes treatment involves lowering blood glucose and reducing overall risk
factors, such as control of blood pressure and blood fats. This requires lifelong
care and management.
Healthy eating, physical activity and monitoring blood glucose levels are required.
In addition, as determined by medical doctors, oral medication or insulin, or both
may be needed to control blood glucose levels.
A special situation is diabetes and the pregnant woman:
Diabetes in pregnancy can cause complications to the mother and the
infant:
1. The mother can get infections.
2.The baby can be big and the delivery difficult.
3. After delivery, the baby can have low blood sugar levels or breathing
difficulties.
It is important that all pregnant women should attend an ante-natal clinic during
their pregnancy and give birth in a hospital.
based on WHO