World Diabetes Day 2024

Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This happens either because the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin - a hormone that regulates glucose levels and converts glucose into energy—or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Diabetes is a condition that can affect people of all ages. While there is no cure for this disease, medical treatment coupled with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating healthier, and adopting an exercise routine can help manage the disease.

Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It results from your immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. The exact cause of this disease is unknown; however, genetic factors and some viruses have been known to play a role. This form of diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood and teenage years, but it can develop at any age.

Type 2 diabetes
This is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when one’s blood sugar level is too high due to failure by the pancreas to produce enough insulin. As a result, one’s cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar due to insulin resistance.

Gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy. While the cause of gestational diabetes is not fully known, hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Gestational diabetes normally goes away after delivery.

However, frequent checkups are encouraged as you will be at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Because gestational diabetes can affect both your health and your baby’s, it is important to control it by eating well, exercising, and taking medication if need be.

However, if you have gestational diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of diabetes
For both Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, it is likely that you will not notice or develop any symptoms. If symptoms develop, they do so quite slowly. Therefore, routine bloodwork is advised. However, symptoms of Type 1 diabetes occur quite quickly. Such symptoms include:
● Frequent urination
● Feeling abnormally hungry or thirsty
● Fatigue
● Blurred vision
● Unexplainable weight loss
● Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
● Frequent skin infections or vaginal yeast infections

Managing and preventing diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disease. It is therefore of great importance that you see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. However, as noted above, diabetes is manageable with lifestyle changes, and for those of you reading this blog out of curiosity, the same lifestyle choices can help prevent or delay some of these diseases.

If you already have the disease:

1. Commit to learning about this disease and understanding the factors that rely upon your decision-making, and make a plan!
2. Make sure that you inform those around you, especially your loved ones, about this disease. This is crucial, not only because they can keep you accountable for your lifestyle changes but also because they need to be prepared in case of an emergency.

For everyone:

1. Commit to eating healthy and building a consistent exercise routine.
2. Learn how to manage your stress and pay attention to your body.
3. Quit smoking and excessive drinking habits.
4. Prioritise good rest and sleep.
5. Keep your vaccinations up to date and schedule your yearly checkups with your healthcare provider, especially as you age.

Diabetes does not have to stop you from living your best life. You have control over that!