Diabetes…… Are you at risk?

Diabetes is Closer To Home Than You Think

Did you know that one in every five Malaysians is diagnosed with diabetes, and that Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of those living with it? Is diabetes truly an issue that is not of your concern?

Diabetes is primarily attributed to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, resulting in a metabolic disease that impairs the endocrine system. It is caused by the lack of insulin secretion and reduced insulin sensitivity. Leading to metabolic disorders. Insulin is a hormone secreted by islets. Its main function is to allow nutrients from the foods we eat into the body’s cell as energy for cellular processes.

As the initial symptoms of diabetes are not obvious, hence when the signs are more recognizable the disease would have already entered its moderate or late phases. Mostly of the treatments for diabetes are only effective for the initial stages of the condition; thus it is imperative that we take proactive preventive measures against diabetes for the sake of our health before it’s too late.

How do we detect the early symptoms of diabetes?

You can take the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test to determine whether or not you have diabetes, and it is recommended that you perform this check-up once every three months. If your glycated hemoglobin reading hovers in the 5.7 – 6.4% spectrum. It’s an indication that the risk of developing diabetes has increased. Moreover, watch your eating habits, weight changes and exercise more, while performing regular medical check-ups to ensure that your health has a chance to change for the better.

Chronic complications are the main cause of death in diabetic patients

Those with prediabetes often feel lethargic, hungry, and thirsty; as well as have a need for frequent urination and suffer from weight loss and blurred vision. However these symptoms tend to be overlooked; causing the condition to escalate as treatment for diabetes is delayed. However, the frightening part of diabetes is the fact that it causes a variety of chronic complications, the most common of which is the cardiovascular kind, which leads to strokes, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and heart disease.

Most diabetics become dependent on medication to keep their condition in check, while those with more serious cases of the condition require insulin injections. But unfortunately, diabetes is a disease that is incurable, even with medicine. To keep our blood sugar levels in control, aside from regular medication, having a good diet and getting exercise is in fact much more important!

What should diabetics eat?

Diabetics need to carefully select what they eat in order to control their carbohydrate intake. However, they should be mindful that a balanced daily diet is of the utmost priority. It is suggested that diabetics introduce whole grains as a staple part of their diet, such as oatmeal, buckwheat noodles, whole wheat, corn meal and other rich in Vitamin B, trace mineral and fiber food. They are not only high in protein, inorganic salts and vitamins, but soybean oil contains unsaturated fatty acids, which helps to lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides.

Steady Sugar is the key to controlling one’s blood sugar. Having plenty of high-fibre foods can extend the time needed for the body to absorb carbohydrates after eating, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels by reducing the need for insulin (glycaemic index). In addition, diabetics can also try propolis, as it helps to lower blood sugar levels and prevent complications related to diabetes.

How minor wounds can turn into full-fledged amputations

Perhaps one of the greatest fears of diabetics is that their wounds may become infected and left to fester, leading to an amputation. The reason for amputations is due to vascular obstruction, which weakens blood circulation, hence causing difficulty in transporting oxygen to various parts of the body and hindering the wound’s healing process. Diabetics have a weak immune system, making their wounds susceptible to infections if not treated properly, especially the foot. It may even cause tissue necrosis. Amputation is often used as a means to prevent the condition of the patient from deteriorating. If diabetics find minor wounds on their bodies, even the smallest of scratches shouldn’t be overlooked and must be handled with care.

Having proper care for the foot region helps to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of wound infection. Check the feet daily to ensure that there are no wounds or infections in the area, and it is advised to make washing the feet with warm water and mild soap a daily routine. After cleaning, gently wipe the soles and especially between the toe joints to avoid excessive moisture, which may encourage bacterial growth. If required, slather on some lotion as well.

We should learn to coexist with diabetes, instead of finding ways to rebel against it.

Original Sources : https://www.flickr.com/photos/149018356@N05/albums

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