‘Sugar, aah, honey, honey…’
If you suspect you or your loved one could be diabetic, look out for these important signs
ABOUT 2.2 million South African adults are living with diabetes, with many more left undiagnosed.
So the chances that you know someone with diabetes are pretty good – and World Diabetes Day today (Monday) is a good time to raise awareness of diabetes, make sure you know how to spot the symptoms and signs, and make the best of a diagnosis.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy.
There are two main manifestations of diabetes, known as Type 1 and Type 2.
• Type 1 diabetes is a result of the pancreas stopping producing the blood sugar hormone, insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood, important for energy, and usually starts in younger people under 30 and can often be passed down from generation to generation.
• Type 2 diabetes is caused when the hormone keeping your blood sugar steady does not work properly, and is more common than Type 1.
Many people who have the condition don’t even know they have it.
What are the danger signs?
If you suspect you or your loved one could be diabetic, look out for these important signs:
• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, boils and itching skin
• Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet
After diagnosis
Although diabetes cannot be cured, with good blood sugar control it is possible to live a long and healthy life.
This can be achieved by following a few simple healthy steps.
Dietitian Cheryl Meyer shares her top food tips to help keep your levels steady:
• Regular meals – diabetics are vulnerable to blood sugar drops when a long period without food occurs, so try and ensure you regulate meals where possible. This starts with making time for breakfast as soon as you wake up.
• Breakfast – opting for a healthy breakfast not only helps to control your weight, but also keeps your blood sugar levels steady.
Examples of good breakfast choices include a high fibre breakfast cereal with milk and fruit, giving you extra fibre, which helps to control blood sugar.
• Snacks – making time for you and your family to have breakfast can be the healthy start that most need in order to make good food choices throughout the rest of the day. Try to ensure your child is taught about healthy options – as a family, reach for nuts and fruits over sugary drinks and sweets.
Avoiding sugary snacks means levels stay stable and the chances of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are reduced.
• Exercise – regular exercise can help to lower blood glucose levels, while reducing stress and assist in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine.
‘If you think you or your child may have diabetes, visit your local health practitioner or clinic that can test your blood sugar levels and advise on the best steps to take to live the happiest and healthiest life possible,’ said Meyer.
Where to go for help and advice
Empangeni: The Centre for Diabetes is situated at the Empangeni Medical Centre in Biyela Street, and offers a diabetes management team in private practice.
They can be contacted on 035 772 4528 or 078 802 7505.
Richards Bay: The HM Diabetic Clinic in Richards Bay is situated at 1 Lira Link, in the CBD.
They can be contacted on 035 7891524.
