Diabetes is a condition which occurs when a person’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the person’s tissues are resistant to the insulin produced from the pancreas. The function of insulin is to allow the body’s cells to use the sugar for energy. If the insulin is not functioning properly, the sugar levels in the blood will increase and result in diabetes.

Health problems caused by diabetes

Over time the high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the eyes, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys. Damage to the nerves can cause foot ulcers, digestive problems and erectile dysfunction. Damage to the blood vessels can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Changes in the blood sugar levels can also result in hypoglycaemia, hypergylcaemia, and ketoacidosis.

Hypoglycaemia occurs when the blood sugar falls too low. This may be caused by too much insulin in the blood and not eating on time. It may cause symptoms of sweating, feeling fant, confused state, tremors, drowsyness and even coma.

Hyperglycaemia occurs when the blood sugar levels are too high. This is caused when there is not enough insulin in the blood and there has been an excessive intake of sugary foods. This may cause blurry vision, excessive thirst, excessive urination, increased appetite, increased skin infections but sometimes no symptoms.

Ketoacidosis occurs when there is not enough insulin in the blood and the body starts breaking down proteins for energy instead of using the blood sugar. This condition causes the production of waste products called ketones. Ketoacidosis can be life-threatening. It can cause the person to feel nauseated, the breathing may become faster and deeper, the breath may smell sweet (the build up of ketones), the person may start to tremble, feel weak, drowsy,  feel dizzy and become confused.

Control of diabetes

Control of the blood sugar level is most important. This can be achieved by eating the correct foods. A meal plan should be obtained from your doctor. Keep meal times consistent. Avoid ’empty’ calories. Foods high in sugar, fat and alcohol are examples. Eat more fibre. Green leafy vegetables, grains, and fruits are good choices.

Regular exercise is also a helpful way of controlling the blood sugar. It helps the body the utilise the insulin more efficiently. Exercise is also good for the heart, controls your weight, helps control cholesterol levels,  and lowers the blood pressure, all these factors reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety and increases the natural levels of endorphins (the feel-good chemicals).

Medication as prescribed by your doctor should always be taken in the correct dose and at the correct time.

Home monitoring is the best way to check the blood sugar levels. There are machines called glucometers which use a small amount of blood from a small finger-prick to analyse your blood sugar. Your doctor will discuss the levels for appropriate diabetic control and how often to test depending on your individual case.

Doctor visits

Your doctor will need to see you for a diabetic medical examination every six months to a year depending on how well your diabetes is controlled. At this diabetic medical your physical examination will be conducted. This involves a general examination as well as specific examination of your eyes, heart, nervous system and feet. Tests are also done to check  for urine microalbumin (kidneys), blood sugar control over the preceeding three months (HbA1c), ECG (heart), neurological tests on your feet and fundoscopy (eyes).  Further tests such as blood fat levels and kidney function will also be arranged through the lab.Your diet plan will be reviewed and medication adjusted if required. Make a note on your callender so as to remember to keep your scheduled appointments or call for you appointment if you have not had your diabetic medical in the past year.