How to recognise diabetes
An estimated 7% of adult South Africans between the ages of 21 to 79 – 3.85 million people – have diabetes and a large percentage of them remain undiagnosed.
As we commemorate World Diabetes Day on November 14, we look at how we can reduce our risk and educate the public about the condition. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
Stringent glucose control has reduced some small vessel complications such as blindness and kidney failure. However, the residual risk of large vessel complications such as heart attacks and stroke remain high.
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‘Diabetes is a lifestyle condition’
Tips to help reduce your risk
Excessive fat
“Excessive weight is a big risk factor for diabetes, and interestingly every kilogram of weight loss is said to reduce risk by 16%,” says Renny Letswalo, managing director of Cambridge Weight Plan.
“Weight loss is a common recommendation for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Many people are overweight when they’re first diagnosed, and that extra fat causes insulin resistance. They have stored too much glycogen in their body, with their liver surrounded by fat, they’re unable to use excessive glycogen. Their number one action is to reduce the fat content in their body,”says Letswalo.
Cambridge Weight Plan Diet stipulates that regular consumption of low calorie such as shakes, soups and snacks bars – designed specifically to fulfil all of your daily nutritional requirements under strict calories guidelines – can lead to immediate weight loss and help put type 2 diabetes into remission, adds Letswalo.
Extensive research also shows that formulated replacement meals as a solution to weight loss are also effective in managing diabetes type 1.
Plant-based, low-calorie diet
Choose to eat a variety of vegetables, as research shows this reduces diabetes risk. Avoid foods rich in trans and saturated fat and sugar. Elimination of sugar and flour is strongly recommended.
Diabetes type 2 people should not be consuming refined carbohydrates at all. To avoid their glucose spike,” adds Letswalo.
Drink lots of water
“Fizzy and sugary drinks have been linked with obesity and diabetes, instead drink water to reduce your risk,” says Letswalo.
Exercise
Not exercising increases your chances of diabetes, even a simple brisk walk can do the trick.
Less stress
When you are stressed your body releases several hormones that increase blood sugar. “Choose to meditate regularly to improve your ability to cope with stress, or make time to do things you enjoy,” adds Letswalo.
Rest
If you don’t get enough sleep or enough good quality sleep then your risk for diabetes and obesity increase. Seek medical help if you are experiencing sleep problems.
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