DIABETES
What is diabetes mellitus?
'Diabetes is a lifelong condition where either the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces.'
The body needs insulin to convert sugar from food into energy. If the body doesn’t have insulin or can’t use it properly, the result is high blood sugar levels. There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1,
where the body makes little or no insulin.
Type
2,
where the body makes insulin but can’t use it properly.
Gestational diabetes,
where the body doesn’t use insulin properly during pregnancy.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
The classic symptoms of diabetes (type 1 and type 2) are:
fatigue
frequent urination
unusual thirst and
unexplained weight loss
The health risks of type 2 diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition. High blood glucose levels over a long period of time can cause:
vision problems
heart problems
circulatory disorders
neurological complications
Although there is no cure for diabetes, the condition can be managed with
appropriate medication and/or insulin combined with a healthy lifestyle.
There is no single cause of type 2 diabetes, but certain factors are predisposing factors for its development. They include:
age 40 and older
weight gain
family history
gestational diabetes
dyslipidemias
You can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by taking these steps:
Don't smoke.
Achieve a healthy weight and maintain it.
Be physically active.
Limit your intake of fat and sugar.
Keep your blood cholesterol within target levels.
Maintain normal blood pressure.
