Diabetes is linked to a healthy lifestyle

In a media statement Natalie Brunninger, spokesman for Diabon, outlines the risk factors, symptoms and the importance of getting tested.

Type two diabetes is a silent killer and the number of people who actually die from the disease is often underestimated.

She says it is, for the most part, a lifestyle disease and it’s the first time in known history that a non-infectious disease has posed a serious global health threat.

It is believed the majority of people living with diabetes are aged between between 40 and 59, but it is on the increase and can affect children and adolescents.

She says it is up to each one as individuals to make sure they keep healthy, eat well and check their diabetes status annually.

Type two diabetes is, for the greater part, due to an unhealthy lifestyle, bit it is a preventable disease.

According to her, a large bank of evidence supports the benefits of lifestyle interventions, healthy diet and physical exercise, to prevent the onset and development of diabetes.

She says it is important to take ownership of your health and you family’s health.

Type two diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is a condition characterised by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively.

When diagnosed with diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.

When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells right away, cells may be starved for energy or over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt the eyes, kidneys, nerves and/or the heart.

If you are obese, have a poor diet, are physically inactive or you have a family history of diabetes, visit a pharmacy that has a clinic and ask them to check lipid levels (cholesterol), blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

When levels are high, visit a doctor immediately.

Sister Juliana Visser, clinic supervisor of the Avenues Blood Bank, says diabetes patients are allowed to donate blood with the consent of their doctor, taking into consideration that their sugars are stable.

Natalie says these patients are at risk of developing disabling and life-threatening health conditions, including serious diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

There is an increased risk of developing infections, therefore knowing their diabetes status is of utmost importance.

If overweight, start a diet and exercise regime that will help to drop kilograms and keep them off.

Stop smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.

Jeanine Storm, clinical facilitator at the N17 Hospital, says when diagnosed it is important to take a holistic approach in managing the disease.

“It is a progressive disease, but with healthy eating habits, taking supplements, keeping fit and taking medication as prescribed, it will help a person to live a long, healthy life.”