The Sunday News
Lee-Anne
Many of us are familiar with the phrase “prevention is better than cure”, but what good is it when one doesn’t know the impact a disease/condition has on the body? Because only then they can become motivated to learn all the preventive measures.
Living in a third world country, I have come to a realisation that people only get to know a disease when they have it or a close family member is suffering from it.
Even then, they are not fully equipped with knowledge as to how to manage it.
In this column I will be dedicated to delivering the latest evidence based medical information with regards to most conditions that affect the larger population.
My discussions will mainly focus on the aetiology of a disease, its causes and risks factors, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, how to manage it once you have it as well as health professionals to seek help from.
My first topic for this column is Diabetes Mellitus (DM ) commonly known as the “sugar disease”.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the average population of people living with DM in Zimbabwe will be 108 000 in 2020 and 265 000 by 2030, which is a double-fold over a period of 10 years.
DM is defined as a chronic condition that is characterised by high glucose levels in the body. If left uncontrolled it leads to serious damage to the body’s systems especially the blood vessels and nerves.
Aetiology
There are 3 types of DM. Firstly, DM type 1; characterised by a lack of insulin production. In another words the pancreas which is the body’s organ does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose (sugar) levels in the body. This type usually starts during childhood.
Secondly, DM type 2; which is known as a lifestyle disease. In other words it is aggravated by one’s lifestyle for example physical inactivity. According to WHO it comprises 90% of people with DM around the world. Here the body has an ineffective use of insulin.
Lastly, Gestational diabetes; which is characterised by hyperglycemia which is first noticed during pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms
An early diagnosis of DM prevents further complicatons. Thus, its of great advantage to know the signs and symptoms that lead to an accurate diagnosis DM.
These include frequent urination, weight loss, tiredness, increased hunger, lack of interest and concentration, a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet and blurred vision.
Complications
DM has many irreversible effects on the body. According to a multinational study, 50% of people with DM die of cardiovascular disease due to its increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Many patients suffering from this condition suffer from foot ulcers, infections that eventually lead to limb amputation. This is due to the combination of reduced blood flow and nerve damage in the feet. Again, DM is amongst the leading causes of kidney failure.
Maintenance and Prevention
There are a number of ways to prevent or at least delay the onset of DM 2.
Since DM 2 is referred to as “disease of lifestyle” it is important that people achieve and maintain healthy body weight.
People that have an increased BMI and are obese are at a higher rate of getting DM 2. These people tend to have central obesity, abdominal obesity as well as belly fat.
Maintaining a physical lifestyle includes 30 minutes of regular exercise on most days. This can include walking, running and jogging. I also advise people to have a healthy diet. Reduce carbohydrates, sugar and saturated fats.
Make it an aim to have three to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
Most importantly avoid the use of tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The management of the condition is very important in preventing complications. The treatment of DM involves lowering blood glucose levels as well as known risk factors that damage blood vessels.
To people that are suffering from diabetes, make sure you regularly visit the health clinic to keep up with your blood sugar levels as well as get medication to correct the insulin levels in the body.
Due to blood vessels being easily damaged and taking longer to heal, a good foot care programme is needed. To name a few, a good foot care programme involves washing feet with anti-bacterial soap, avoiding closed shoes, foot elevation for sufficient blood flow, circulatory drills and avoiding sores.
As a health professional I would advice diabetic patients to seek dietary advice.
There are many foods that are perceived as healthy that actually need to be moderated.
Dieticians can help with a diet plan with good quantities to avoid unnecessary food intakes. Physiotherapists can help come up with a good exercise plan. Here they can adjust it according to age, diet and level of fitness related factors.
Take charge of your health. Do not become too busy to listen to your body’s needs. Take care of your busy body, you owe that to your family!
For more information about Diabetes Mellitus please contact me: mailto:[email protected] or visit my website www.healthpromotionbyleeanne.wordpress.com, or the nearest health care centre. Lee-Anne T. Hall, BSc Physiotherapy.
