DIABETES

WHAT IS DIABETES ?

Your body changes carbohydrates that you eat to glucose. Glucose is a kind of sugar that your cells use as a source of energy. Normally, when glucose is metabolised, a hormone called insulin helps cells get the glucose they need. Insulin is produced by the pancreas (an organ near the stomach).

Diabetes happens when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or is resistant to insulin action. When this happens, glucose cannot get into cells. It remains trapped in the blood and results in high blood glucose level.

HOW GLUCOSE IS REGULATED IN

YOUR BODY?

Normal Glucose Regulation

Insulin enables glucose to enter cells.

Impaired Glucose Regulation

When Insulin is not available, or doesn't work properly, glucose can't get to the cells.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DIABETES?

§ Excessive thirst

§ Frequent urination

§ Abrupt weight loss despite increasing appetite

§ Fatigue

§ Frequent infections

§ Having sores or wounds that are slow to heal

§ Numbness/tingling in the hands or feet

§ Blurred vision

§ Irritability

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DIABETES?

Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

• There is an absolute shortage of insulin
• This can be the result of the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. This, in turn, is caused by:
• Virus or toxic chemicals
• Physical injuries to the pancreas?
• Usually occurs at a younger age (<30>
• Must be controlled with insulin shots, along with proper diet and regular exercise.

Type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

• There is a relative shortage of insulin or an insulin resistance*
• This can be the result of the pancreas failing to produce sufficient insulin or the body is resistant to insulin
• Usually occurs at older age (>35 years old).
• Can be managed with proper diet and exercise. Sometimes, oral medication may be needed to stimulate production of insulin from the pancreas or increasing the action of insulin.
• Daily insulin shots may be needed in uncontrollable cases.

*Insulin resistance is a condition where insulin is available in the blood, but cells are not sensitive or responsive to it.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

GDM is another type of diabetes which usually occurs during pregnancy and ends after delivery.

During pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta for the baby's development may block the normal action of insulin in the body. This makes it harder for the mother's body to use insulin.

Women who have had GDM are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is important to perform a blood glucose test between 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy to determine if you have GDM.

COMPLICATIONS

If not managed properly, diabetes can cause life-threatening complications. So beware.

· Nerve Disease and Amputations (neuropathy)

About 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage which, in severe forms, can lead to lower limb amputations. In fact, diabetes is the most frequent cause of lower limb amputations.

· Blindness (retinopathy)

Diabetes can cause disease of the eyes (retinopathy). In fact, it is one of the leading causes of new cases of blindness.

· Kidney Disease (nephropathy)

Diabetes may cause kidney malfunction and affects protein filtration. As a result, protein is excreted through urine. This is one cause of end-stage renal disease.

Diabetes may also cause inefficient nerve conduction making the bladder not function properly. This causes urine to remain in the bladder resulting in bacteria collecting there. These bacteria could cause kidney damage.

· Heart Disease and Stroke

People with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease because it increases their tendency to develop clogged and hardened blood vessels (atherosclerosis). Diabetes is also associated with high blood pressure (hypertension).

PREVENTING METHOD

DO YOU HAVE A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT?

Obesity may make your body more resistant to insulin, which may increase your risk of getting diabetes. In fact, 50% of type 2 diabetics are obese.

Therefore, maintain a healthy body weight to minimise your risk.

Use the BMI Calculator to assess whether you are in the healthy weight range or not. (Healthy weight range = BMI: 18.5 to 24.9)

If you are overweight or obese, you should aim for a healthier weight by reducing your calorie consumption and increasing your physical activity.

STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

When you are physically active, your cells use more glucose from the blood for energy production. This helps regulate blood glucose.

So get active. Besides, physical activity burns off extra calories and helps you reach your healthy weight range. All it takes is just 20-30 minutes a day, 3 times a week. So start today for a healthier you.

ARE YOU EATING HEALTHILY?

"Don't eat too much sweet foods or you'll get diabetes." You've probably heard of this before.

The truth is, no causal relationship has been established between diabetes and sugar intake. However, an unhealthy diet coupled with sedentary lifestyles could lead to obesity which increases your risk of diabetes.

Therefore to prevent diabetes:

• Reduce overall fat intake: (eg reduce intake of deep fried foods and foods high in fat),
• Increase fibre consumption: (eg increase intake of legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals), and
• Eat a variety of foods in balanced diet
• Get right consultation by dietician

Source : Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia