Living well with diabetes
“Diabetes and wellbeing” is the theme of World Diabetes Day this November.
With 7.2% of adult South Africans living with diabetes, the campaign, which raises awareness, educates communities and empowers those living with the condition, continues to highlight the importance of embracing a holistic view of diabetes.
Understanding diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar. There are three types:
Type 1 diabetes:
A life-long autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes:
A condition resulting from elevated blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. This can be due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, genetics, age and family history.
Gestational diabetes:
This occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after birth.
The sour side of diabetes
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, if poorly managed. These include
But diabetes can have an impact on other aspects of your life too, such as your mental and emotional wellbeing. Strategies for managing these are equally important.
Diabetes and managing your overall wellbeing
Around 84% of South Africans living with diabetes experience anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges associated with the condition. Psychological support can help you develop coping mechanisms.
Lifestyle changes are also important. These include:
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but you don’t need to feel alone. By embracing the support of family and friends, you can enjoy a balanced and fulfilling life.
References:
With 7.2% of adult South Africans living with diabetes, the campaign, which raises awareness, educates communities and empowers those living with the condition, continues to highlight the importance of embracing a holistic view of diabetes.
Understanding diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar. There are three types:
Type 1 diabetes:
A life-long autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes:
A condition resulting from elevated blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. This can be due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, genetics, age and family history.
Gestational diabetes:
This occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after birth.
The sour side of diabetes
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, if poorly managed. These include
- Heart disease
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss
- Nerve damage
- Even amputation
But diabetes can have an impact on other aspects of your life too, such as your mental and emotional wellbeing. Strategies for managing these are equally important.
Diabetes and managing your overall wellbeing
Around 84% of South Africans living with diabetes experience anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges associated with the condition. Psychological support can help you develop coping mechanisms.
Lifestyle changes are also important. These include:
- A balanced diet containing whole grains, legumes (such as beans and lentils), and non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli and spinach), and avoiding processed foods (such as biscuits, kotas and takeaways), alcohol and sugary drinks such as fruit juices, sodas and energy drinks
- Regular exercise
- Stress-reduction, through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and journalling
- Sufficient good-quality sleep
- Self-care and a structured routine that includes practising mindfulness, making time for hobbies and putting reminders on your phone to take your medicine
References:
- https://idf.org-our-network-regions-and-members-africa-members-south-africa
- https://www.cdc.gov-diabetes-about-index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov-diabetes-signs-symptoms-index.html
- https://idf.org-news-diabetes-hidden-burden
- https://www.cdc.gov-diabetes-healthy-eating-diabetes-meal-planning.html
- https://www.diabetes.org.uk-living-with-diabetes-exercise
- https://www.yalemedicine.org-news-sleep-diabetes-and-obesity