World Diabetes Day
With projections suggesting that 783 million people worldwide will be living with diabetes by 2045, World Diabetes Day, commemorated in November, aims to raise awareness about preventing and managing the condition.
Do I have diabetes?
Around 11.3% of South Africans live with diabetes, yet almost half are undiagnosed.
Because undiagnosed diabetes can lead to a host of complications, affecting the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves, understanding the symptoms is important so you can be screened.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
Around 11.3% of South Africans live with diabetes, yet almost half are undiagnosed.
Because undiagnosed diabetes can lead to a host of complications, affecting the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves, understanding the symptoms is important so you can be screened.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent need to urinate
- Excessive thirst
- Increased hunger
- Unplanned weight loss
- Fatigue
Diabetes is diagnosed through a blood test that measures glucose levels.
Healthy glucose levels are considered to be < 7.0 mmol/L when fasting and ≤ 11.1 mmol/L when randomly tested.
Patients with pre-existing conditions may have different target ranges for the abovementioned measures based on clinical guidelines.
Healthy glucose levels are considered to be < 7.0 mmol/L when fasting and ≤ 11.1 mmol/L when randomly tested.
Patients with pre-existing conditions may have different target ranges for the abovementioned measures based on clinical guidelines.
Living with diabetes
Diabetes is a manageable condition – and, in the case of Type 2 diabetes, preventable. Adopting the following habits can help protect you from developing Type 2 diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, it can help reduce your risk of complications.
Diabetes is a manageable condition – and, in the case of Type 2 diabetes, preventable. Adopting the following habits can help protect you from developing Type 2 diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, it can help reduce your risk of complications.
1. Exercise regularly
Staying active improves your body’s insulin sensitivity, which is important to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Walking, running, swimming and dancing are good options.
Staying active improves your body’s insulin sensitivity, which is important to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Walking, running, swimming and dancing are good options.
2. Follow a healthy diet
A well-balanced diet can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 35% and prevent glucose spikes in those living with diabetes.
You should include non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, whole grains, and legumes, and avoid processed foods.
A well-balanced diet can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 35% and prevent glucose spikes in those living with diabetes.
You should include non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, whole grains, and legumes, and avoid processed foods.
3. Manage your weight
Obesity is linked to 87% of Type 2 diabetes cases in South Africa.
Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting regular quality sleep and monitoring your stress levels can help.
Obesity is linked to 87% of Type 2 diabetes cases in South Africa.
Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting regular quality sleep and monitoring your stress levels can help.
4. Quit smoking
Not only are those who smoke 30% to 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, but smoking can make it more difficult to manage the condition.
Identifying your smoking triggers and joining a support group can help you kick this habit.
Not only are those who smoke 30% to 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, but smoking can make it more difficult to manage the condition.
Identifying your smoking triggers and joining a support group can help you kick this habit.
References:
- https://idf.org-about-diabetes-diabetes-facts-figures-
- https://idf.org-our-network-regions-and-members-africa-members-south-africa-
- https://www.diabetes.org.uk-guide-to-diabetes-complications
- https://sweetlife.org.za-do-you-know-the-5-symptoms-of-diabetes-
- https://www.diabetessa.org.za-testing-
- https://docs.mymembership.co.za-docmanager-d7a3ded1-2f30-4ff2-b566-b69abe5d7a8e-00150685.pdf
- https://www.everydayhealth.com-type-2-diabetes-how-exercise-helps-prevent-and-manage-type-2-diabetes-
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu-nutritionsource-disease-prevention-diabetes-prevention-preventing-diabetes-full-story-
- https://www.cdc.gov-diabetes-managing-eat-well-meal-plan-method.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-pmc-articles-PMC8199430-
- https://www.healthline.com-nutrition-how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco-campaign-tips-diseases-diabetes.html