[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5021″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What is Diabetes? Diabetes Mellitus results is too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. If the glucose stays too high, it causes many health problems.
The body requires a correct amount of a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin assists the glucose in the blood to be absorbed by the body cells and to process it further throughout the body where needed.
Two factors are important here:
- The production of insulin by the pancreas and
- The way the body processes the glucose in the blood.
There are various types of Diabetes, but the most common types are type 1 and type 2.
Pre-Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose is high, but enough to be Type 2 Diabetes.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title=”TYPE 2 DIABETES”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]TYPE 2 DIABETES is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Instead of moving into your cells, glucose builds up in your blood stream. As blood glucose levels increase, the pancreas releases more insulin. Eventually these cells become impaired and cannot make enough insulin to meet the body’s demand. This disease affects many major organs, including your heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
Type 2 can be developed at any age even during childhood, but more likely, if you
- are 45 years and older
- have a family history of Diabetes
- are overweight
- have certain health conditions such as high blood pressure
Type 2 Diabetes has been known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and other disorders that cause Dementia. Poor control of blood glucose levels is linked to more rapid decline in memory and other thinking skills.
Prevention:
Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent Type 2 Diabetes and that is true!
A healthy lifestyle includes:
- Eating healthy foods. Choose food lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber.
- Become active. A brisk walk, cycling or swimming for 30 minutes per day.
- Losing weight. If one is overweight, one needs to address this to delay the progression from Pre-Diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”5821″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:
- Heavy thirst
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
- Tingling feet
- Fatigue
- Sugar in your urine
- Weigh loss
In some cases, there may be no symptoms.
Please make an appointment to see your doctor, if you notice any signs or symptoms of the above or if you have any uncertainty. It’s advisable that you take an informed action going forward with your health.
Potential complications of Diabetes and frequent comorbidities includes:
- Heart and blood vessel conditions.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, narrowing of blood vessels (arteriosclerosis).
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the limbs.
– High blood glucose over time can damage or destroy nerves, resulting in tingling, numbness, burning, pain or eventually loss of feeling that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.
– Other nerve damage in the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Nerve damage in men may cause erectile dysfunction.
- Kidney disease.
Diabetes may lead to chronic kidney disease or irreversible end stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Eye damage.
Diabetes increases the risk of serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, can also damage the blood vessels of the retina which may lead to blindness.
- Slow healing.
Left untreated, cuts and blisters cam become serious infected and may heal poorly. Severe neglection to any form of wound area especially the limbs may lead to amputation for example of a toe or leg.
- Hearing impairment.
Hearing problems are more common in people with Diabetes.
- Dementia.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”TYPE 1 DIABETES”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]TYPE 1 DIABETES is a chronic condition and typically appears in adolescence. Treatment can help, but this condition cannot be cured.
Symptoms:
- Excessive hunger.
- Excessive thirst.
- Blurred vision.
- Fatigue.
- Frequent urination.
- Dramatic weight loss in a short period of time.
If you have one or more of the above symptoms you should consult with your doctor.
A person might also develop ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Rapid breathing.
- Dry skin and mouth.
- Flushed face.
- Fruity breath odor.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
If you have one or more of the above symptoms you should get medical help right away as ketoacidosis is a medical emergency.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”5823″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Causes:
The exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown. However, it is thought to be an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas which produces insulin. Scientist do not understand fully why this happens.
Diagnosis:
Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed through a series of tests. Doctors may not realise you have been misdiagnosis until you begin developing complications or worsening symptoms despite treatment.
Treatments:
If you are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, your doctor will prescribe insulin for you to use. Your doctor will explain and show you how to administrate your daily doses of insulin via a subcutaneous injection method.
Diet / exercise:
Both diet and exercise can affect your blood glucose levels. It is therefore advisable to consult with a Dietitian to assist you in planning your diet.
IN GENERAL:
Blood circulation:
Diabetes can lead to poor circulation in several ways. High glucose levels over a period can cause damage to the lining of your small blood vessels, impending your circulation.
Symptoms of poor circulation:
- Muscle cramping.
- Constant feet pain.
- Pain and throbbing in the arms and legs.
- Fatigue.
- Varicose veins.
- Digestive issues.
- Legs which cramp while walking.
- Wounds which do not seem to heal in your legs / feet / toes.
Ways to improve blood circulation:
- Biking.
- Walking – slow and or brisk.
- Swimming.
- Aerobic exercise.
- Moving of toes / feet / ankles and legs – discuss movements with a physiotherapist will be beneficial.
- Quit smoking as this hardens your arteries and decreases the blood circulation. By stop smoking this might improve how well your blood reaches your legs and feet.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”FOOT CARE AND DIABETES”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”5826″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet and may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal. Therefore, you may not notice a foreign object in your shoe and as a result, you could develop a blister or a sore. This could lead to an infection or a non-healing wound that could put you at risk of an amputation.
To avoid serious feet problems, follow these guidelines:
- Inspect your feet daily.
- Bath your feet in lukewarm water, never hot water.
- Be gentle when bathing your feet.
- Moisturise your feet, but not between your toes.
- Cut nails carefully; not too short and not into the corners of the toes – it is advisable to consult a foot care specialist to show you the correct way of cutting nails.
- Never treat corns or callus yourself.
- Wear clean, dry socks.
Diabetes is a disease that requires close care, but you are not alone – there are many professionals who will gladly guide you through the process and answer any of your questions and concerns.
I hope the above information can assist you in living and maintaining a pleasant life. Remember that your life and future are in your hands. Never think twice to reach out for advice.
Take care. Until next time.
Riana Zeman: Oasis Life – Health Care Manager.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]
