A lot of people have properly heard the word diabetes and most often people have the idea that diabetes is only a condition that results from consumption of lots of sugar. That idea is not far fetched from what diabetes really represents.
Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time.
An organ in the body called the pancreas produces enzymes to help digest food and a hormone called insulin which helps to control blood sugar.
When the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or the cells of the body do not respond properly to insulin – diabetes occurs. This differentiates DM into type 1 and 2.
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of pancreatic islets which regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein by promoting absorption of glucose from blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells. When insulin is low, blood cells can not use glucose to generate energy leading to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Also, when there is too much insulin relative to blood glucose, it can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
SYMPTOMS
In hypoglycemia however, symptoms include sweating, shaking/tremors, anxiety, hunger, fast heartbeat and irritability .
Other Signs include blurred vision, headache, fatigue, slow healing of cuts and itchy skin.
TYPES OF DIABETES
• Prediabetes: this condition occurs when an individual’s blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes mellitus.
• Type 1: this is an autoimmune condition that results from failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin due to beta cell loss. It mostly occurs in children and was previously called “juvenile diabetes” which is a misnomer because it can occur at any age. The body size of individuals are usually normal size or thin. This type must be managed with insulin injections.
• Type 2: This condition begins with insulin resistance where cells fail to respond to insulin properly. It’s also called “adult-onset diabetes mellitus”. Most common cause is a combination of excessive body weight and insufficient exercise. Prediabetes usually progresses to type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus: This condition is similar to type 2 but it occurs in pregnant women and is a result of relatively inadequate insulin responsiveness. It may be transient but can affect the fetus (leads to high birth weight and increases the risk of congenital heart disease and central nervous system abnormalities). Blood sugar can normalise after delivery but type 2 and another form can still be found post pregnancy.
• Other types are: Maturity onset diabetes mellitus of the young (MODY) which is a rare autosomal dominant disease.
LIFESTYLE OF DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS
• Type 2 DM can be due to lifestyle factors and genetics like obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, stress and urbanization.
• Dietary factors like sugar-sweetened drinks poses an increased risk, fatty diets such as saturated fats (in animal fat products) and trans fat (in peanut butter, margarine, creamers and frozen dinners) lead to high risk.
Polyunsaturated fats (in nuts,vegetable oil, fish) and monosaturated fat (in olive oil, animal flesh, whole grains) are protective.
Physical activities should be done in moderation and cuts should be treated well to avoid worsening as wounds in people living with DM usually require a longer healing process and might even lead to complications.
COMPLICATIONS
If left untreated, DM can lead to amputation, coma and even death.
As we mark World Diabetes Day this year, remember that creating a diabetes-friendly environment is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are at school, at work, or simply going about your day. Take every opportunity to spread awareness. Small choices like resisting that sugary craving or encouraging healthier habits, can make a big difference not just for yourself, but for those living with diabetes around you. Let’s work together to support, educate, and create spaces where everyone can thrive because a little awareness today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.
By Sharon Jeremiah Anuye .
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