This year’s theme is Act Today to Change Tomorrow.
According to a statement received from registered dietician, Suna Kassier, diabetes affects everyone, may it be a family member, friend or a colleague.
There are two types of diabetes and she explains what the difference is between the two.
“Diabetes type two is when your body produces insulin but it is not able to use it which can also be known as insulin resistance,” she says.
If the body cannot use the insulin produced, it may make the pancreas produce less insulin which is known as insulin deficiency.
Being overweight or obese is a great precursor of type two diabetes
Up to 80% of type two diabetes can be prevented through following a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.
Suna states a huge percentage of diabetes sufferers are children.
Parents of children diagnosed with type one diabetes in school should have a plan and schedule for their child’s teachers as this can help their child.
“It can prevent short and long-term medical complications,” she says.
Diabetes type one is when the body cannot produce the insulin hormone.
This occurs when the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin.
“When you do not have insulin your cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose) that the body uses to produce energy,” says Suna.
If parents are unsure whether their child might have diabetes, the following symptoms are good indicators:
- Extreme hunger
- Insatiable thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Fungal and staphylococcal infections
It is important that people are taught to lead a healthy lifestyle through eating healthily and exercising.
“Consider starting a healthy lifestyle programme,” adds Suna.
