Coco-Bassey Esu|11 April 2016|5:30pm
World Health Day 2016, which hold on every April 7, was dedicated to Diabetes with the theme "Halt the Rise, beat Diabetes". This is the first time ever that the day will focus on Diabetes although World Diabetes Day is usually marked on November 14 aimed to influence policy, increase public awareness and encourage health improvement, promote the exchange of high quality information about diabetes and provide education for people with diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic progressive Non Communicable Disease characterized by elevated level of blood glucose (blood sugar). It occurs either when the Pancreas does not produce enough of the Insulin hormone, which regulates blood sugar, or when the body cannot effectively use the Insulin it produces.
CLASSIFICATION OF DIABETES –
There are 3 main form of diabetes, Type 1, 2 and Gestational Diabetes. The cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown and people living with it require daily Insulin administration for survival.
TYPE 2 accounts for the vast majority of people living with Diabetes globally and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs in pregnancy and carries long term risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES.
*Family history of diabetes.
*Obesity over desired body weight.
*Race/ethnicity/Age.
*Previously identified impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
*Hypertension
*History of Gestational Diabetes or delivery of babies over over 9 lb.
MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES.
NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT –
Nutrition, meal planning and weight control are the foundation of diabetes management. For those who require Insulin to control blood glucose levels, maintaining as much consistency in the amount of calories and carbohydrates ingested at each meal is essential. For those obese with diabetes, weight loss is the key to treatment. Obesity is 20 % above ideal body weight or a BMI equal to or greater than 30. Incorporate new dietary habits into lifestyles, diet education, behavioral therapy, group support and on and on going nutrition counseling are necessary for obese individuals.
EXERCISE –
Exercise is extremely important in Diabetes management because of its effects on lowering blood glucose and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
People who have glucose levels exceeding 250 ml/dl (14 mmol /l) and who have ketones in their Urine should not begin exercise until the urine test results are negative for Ketones and the blood glucose levels close to normal. Exercising with elevated blood glucose levels increases the secretion of glucagon growth hormone and catecholamines which result is an increase in the blood glucose levels.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR EXERCISE IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES.
*Use proper footwear and, if appropriate, other protective equipment.
*Avoid exercise in extreme heat or cold.
*Inspect feet daily after exercise.
*Avoid exercise during periods of poor metabolic control.
MONITORING –
Monitoring Glucose levels and Ketones and learning how to respond to the results enable people with diabetes to adjust their treatment regimen to obtain optimal blood glucose control.
Coco-Bassey Esu
Media & Publicity Aide to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, CRS
