It is the leading cause of death in the United States (World Health Organization, 2010). In diabetics, there may be the absence of insulin production (Type 1 Diabetes) or reduction in the amount of insulin produced (Type 2 diabetes). The risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable. Non modifiable risk factors are: age, race, gestational diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The modifiable risk factors include factors such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure and the use of certain medications such as steroids.
There has been an increase in the number of persons diagnosed with diabetes. According to the 2007-2008 Jamaica health and lifestyle report, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Jamaica is 7.9 % among persons, ages 15-74 years old. Across the Caribbean it is approximately nine percent, (West Indies Medical Journal, 2010).
Diabetes is a chronic illness that must be taken seriously; if uncontrolled, it puts one at risk for Hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia crises, both of which are undesirable events detrimental to the individual. The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
If the blood sugar is persistently uncontrolled, there is an increased risk of developing complications including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy (kidney failure), neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage), stroke, loss of limbs, death and other diseases.
Compliance to diet, medication, exercise, and smoking and alcohol cessation are essential to reduce the risk of complications. Regular glucose monitoring (aiming for a sugar levels 90-130 mg/dl), blood pressure control and normal lipid values should be maintained.
Here are six myths worth addressing:
1. If I am diabetic I cannot give blood
This is not so. If the blood sugar is controlled through oral medications and diet and there are no diabetes complications, one can donate; providing the blood pressure and weight are in the required range and the individual satisfies all other requirements of the blood bank.
2. Women with diabetes should not get pregnant
Women with diabetes can get pregnant. It is essential that these persons first consult with their physician to aid in reducing the risk of foetal and maternal complications. Random glucose tests are done on visits to the doctor. There may also be a requirement for prenatal vitamin supplements, including iron and folic acid. The doctor (obstetrician) will inform the patient of any necessary adjustment to medication regimen.
3. If you require treatment with insulin, it is the beginning of the end
This is not so; persons with type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment because there is no insulin production by the pancreas. Notwithstanding, these individuals are able to live normal lives. The key is good blood sugar control which helps to lower the risk of complications.
There are also those individuals who may be on oral anti-diabetic medications and are also on insulin treatment due to the reduction of the number of beta cells as one ages. It is not the beginning of the end. Complications of diabetes are usually what result in death. Lifestyle interventions, like compliance with diet, medications and exercise can prevent such complications.
4. I will eventually lose a limb
The loss of a limb is not an automatic situation, once diagnosed with diabetes. Not all diabetics suffer dismemberment nor does anyone have to. The key is to maintain a good immune system, remain healthy, employ proper foot care and consult with an ophthalmologist, general physician and dietician.
5. Pregnancy worsens diabetes
This is false. The management of an individual who is pregnant and diagnosed with diabetes is the same as for all diabetics. Insulin is the drug of choice in pregnant diabetics as it allows for tighter control of blood sugar levels. One is expected to have frequent appointments with the obstetrician, for foetal and maternal assessment. There is also the need to monitor blood sugar and blood pressure, assess the extent of weight gain and plan the time of delivery.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #9, 2016 Issue.
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It is the leading cause of death in the United States (World Health Organization, 2010). In diabetics, there may be the absence of insulin production (Type 1 Diabetes) or reduction in the amount of insulin produced (Type 2 diabetes). The risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable. Non modifiable risk factors are: age, race, gestational diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The modifiable risk factors include factors such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure and the use of certain medications such as steroids.
There has been an increase in the number of persons diagnosed with diabetes. According to the 2007-2008 Jamaica health and lifestyle report, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Jamaica is 7.9 % among persons, ages 15-74 years old. Across the Caribbean it is approximately nine percent, (West Indies Medical Journal, 2010).
Diabetes is a chronic illness that must be taken seriously; if uncontrolled, it puts one at risk for Hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia crises, both of which are undesirable events detrimental to the individual. The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
If the blood sugar is persistently uncontrolled, there is an increased risk of developing complications including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy (kidney failure), neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage), stroke, loss of limbs, death and other diseases.
Compliance to diet, medication, exercise, and smoking and alcohol cessation are essential to reduce the risk of complications. Regular glucose monitoring (aiming for a sugar levels 90-130 mg/dl), blood pressure control and normal lipid values should be maintained.
Here are six myths worth addressing:
1. If I am diabetic I cannot give blood
This is not so. If the blood sugar is controlled through oral medications and diet and there are no diabetes complications, one can donate; providing the blood pressure and weight are in the required range and the individual satisfies all other requirements of the blood bank.
2. Women with diabetes should not get pregnant
Women with diabetes can get pregnant. It is essential that these persons first consult with their physician to aid in reducing the risk of foetal and maternal complications. Random glucose tests are done on visits to the doctor. There may also be a requirement for prenatal vitamin supplements, including iron and folic acid. The doctor (obstetrician) will inform the patient of any necessary adjustment to medication regimen.
3. If you require treatment with insulin, it is the beginning of the end
This is not so; persons with type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment because there is no insulin production by the pancreas. Notwithstanding, these individuals are able to live normal lives. The key is good blood sugar control which helps to lower the risk of complications.
There are also those individuals who may be on oral anti-diabetic medications and are also on insulin treatment due to the reduction of the number of beta cells as one ages. It is not the beginning of the end. Complications of diabetes are usually what result in death. Lifestyle interventions, like compliance with diet, medications and exercise can prevent such complications.
4. I will eventually lose a limb
The loss of a limb is not an automatic situation, once diagnosed with diabetes. Not all diabetics suffer dismemberment nor does anyone have to. The key is to maintain a good immune system, remain healthy, employ proper foot care and consult with an ophthalmologist, general physician and dietician.
5. Pregnancy worsens diabetes
This is false. The management of an individual who is pregnant and diagnosed with diabetes is the same as for all diabetics. Insulin is the drug of choice in pregnant diabetics as it allows for tighter control of blood sugar levels. One is expected to have frequent appointments with the obstetrician, for foetal and maternal assessment. There is also the need to monitor blood sugar and blood pressure, assess the extent of weight gain and plan the time of delivery.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #9, 2016 Issue.
Share this post: