Diabetes: Treat the symptoms

November is Diabetes Month and organisations across the globe will endeavour to educate people on the causes, symptoms and treatment of this manageable ailment.

Diabetes mellitus (often called sugar diabetes) is a condition that occurs when the body can’t use glucose (a type of sugar) properly.

Glucose, the main source of energy for the body’s cells, is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas.

Insulin helps glucose enter the cells. When suffering from diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin (type one diabetes) or the body can’t respond normally to the insulin that is made (type two diabetes).

This causes the glucose levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination and extreme thirst.

A visit to your doctor is recommended if the following serious symptoms are experienced:

• Constant fatigue (feeling tired all the time).

• Blurred vision.

• Persistent urinary infections.

• Unexplained headaches.

In people with diabetes, insufficient insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to use as energy.

When this occurs, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, causing a reduction in overall body weight.

Unexpected weight loss is often noticed in people prior to a diagnosis of type one diabetes but it may also affect people with type two diabetes. Fat break down is an important part of stabilising blood sugar levels within the body.

The best effective solution is a proper nutritional diet that provides one with essentials vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

The organisation, Weigh-Less, offers tips on managing your diabetes:

• Monitor: The only way to effectively manage and stay on top of your blood glucose levels is to remain aware of them.

Consult your healthcare professional about how frequently you should be testing your blood glucose levels.

• Hold the salt: Sodium may contribute to higher blood pressure levels.

Look out for the foods that are high in salt to keep your blood pressure normalised.

• Drink in moderation: One and a half, to two drinks per day has been proven to lower your risk of diabetes by as much as 30%. If you have already been diagnosed, you may need to talk to your doctor about the effects that alcohol may have on your blood glucose levels.

• Stay active: This has been credited as the third most important factor in managing diabetes, after receiving medical attention and initiating weight loss.

Exercise improves your body’s ability to respond to insulin and will help manage your increased risk of heart disease.

• Smoke less: If you are a smoker, your habit can heighten the symptoms of your diabetes. Smoking raises blood glucose levels and, if you are in the process of quitting, will cause your glucose levels to spike unless your diet is carefully monitored.

Hints and tips to help stabilise your blood sugar levels:

• Balance blood sugar with healthy fats.

• Don’t eat constantly to balance blood sugar.

• Eat protein with breakfast for balanced blood sugar.

• Favour roots and fruits over carbs to balance blood sugar.

• Use a glucose meter to balance sugar.