World Health Day - What you should know about diabetes mellitus

Happy World Health Day!

“If we are to make any headway in halting the rise in diabetes, we need to rethink our daily lives, to eat healthily, be physically active, and avoid excessive weight gain” – Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General

The global health awareness day is celebrated every year on the 7th of April under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO). It was first celebrated on APRIL 7, 1950, and the aim of this celebration is to create an opportunity to emphasize the importance of world health every year.

The theme of this year’s World Health day is “Halt the Rise, Beat Diabetes.” Diabetes is a preventable and treatable non-communicable metabolic disease or disorder that is rapidly affecting individuals worldwide most especially in under-developed and developing countries.

Prevalence
According to the First Global Report on Diabetes, it is estimated that 422 million adults in the world have diabetes and it’s likely to move more than double in the next 20 years. In a 2012 survey, diabetes mellitus has caused about 1.5 million deaths. In halting the rise in diabetes, we have to scale up prevention, strengthen care and enhance surveillance.

What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, progressive non-communicable disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. The body’s inability to regulate glucose levels in the blood affecting the metabolism of each basic energy nutrient; carbohydrate, fat and protein (the energy yielding nutrients). Diabetes is diagnosed when fasting plasma glucose levels exceed 125 mg/dl. Blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dl indicate Impaired Glucose Tolerance, a prediabetes state that often converts to diabetes in 5 to 10 years.

Types of Diabetes?
There are about three types namely; Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes.

Type 1: Generally referred to as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Juvenile-onset Diabetes Mellitus. In this condition, the body produces too little or no insulin to regulate blood glucose. It is commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. This is as a result of the destruction of the pancreas by autoimmune disease, alcohol or by surgery. Individuals suffering from Type 1 require insulin treatment to sustain life.

Type 2: Also known as Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM). The pancreas secretes insulin but the body is partially or completely incapable of responding to insulin. This is known as Insulin Resistance. It affects about 75% of adults over 45 years, and most overweight/obese individuals are predisposed to to Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, weight loss, medications, good lifestyle practices can help prevent or manage this disorder. Individuals suffering from Type 2 require dietary and insulin therapy.

Gestational Diabetes: This type affects pregnant women most especially during the second trimester and generally resolves after delivery of a baby. Studies have shown that women who develops gestational diabetes mellitus are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life.

Signs and Symptoms
◈ Fatigue
◈ Weight loss
◈ Dehydration
◈ Fruity smell of breath
◈ Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
◈ Excessive Urination (Polyuria)
◈ Poor wound healing
◈ Lethargy
◈ Blurry vision
◈ Recurrent infections (genitals, dental, skin, etc.)- gangrene
◈ Irritability

Complications
• Eye- Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Cataract
• Renal- Microalbuminuria, Nephropathy, Ketoacidosis
• Nerves- Neuropathy
• Brain- Dementia, Chronic Heart Failure, Encephalopathy

How can we halt the rise?

✓ Diet and Lifestyle
Consume a healthy diet high fruits and vegetables, and low in sugar and saturated fats. Practice good food choices and cooking practices, our food pyramid, myplate, read nutrition labels and follow your dietary recommendations. Eat healthy!

✓ Engage in Physical Activity
 Physical activity can help prevent or manage diabetes mellitus.  A regular, moderate intensity exercise is recommended to stay healthy and fit. At least 30 minutes physical activity in a day.

✓ Follow Medical Advice
There are various treatments for the management of diabetes mellitus, consult your doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, or any other medical practitioner for medical advice and intervention. Take prescribed medication, always check your blood glucose levels, blood pressure, look out for signs and symptoms. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Tell someone about diabetes today, help beat it!