ALL THE BASICS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic disorders, usually marked by elevated blood glucose levels and disrupted insulin metabolism. In diabetes, insulin (a hormone responsible for the regulation of blood glucose) secretion by the pancreas may be impaired, or there may be insulin resistance- i.e. instances where cells responsive to the actions of insulin become resistant. Should elevated blood glucose concentration persist, it may result in a condition called hyperglycemia. In people with the condition, glucose is under harnessed in the muscles and adipose tissues. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia may lead to damage to the nerves, eyes, kidneys, blood vessels and heart.

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is one of the non-communicable diseases with a significant public health concern. In 2014, it was estimated that about 422 million adults across the world were living with the condition.

There are different types of diabetes which include type I, type II and gestational diabetes.

• Type I diabetes occurs when the body’s immune cells tend to destroy the pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin secretion. It is usually marked by decreased insulin secretion or production in the body.

• Type II diabetes is usually characterized by insulin resistance, reduced sensitivity to insulin in the muscles, adipose and liver tissues.

• Gestational diabetes often develops during pregnancy and disappears after birth. If not well controlled, it may lead to type II diabetes even after birth.

In this article, Health and Nutrition Hub shares with you some feasible approaches to managing diabetes. However, readers must accept that currently, type I diabetes cannot be prevented. On the other hand, the story of type II diabetes is different. There are available effective and comprehensive approaches to prevent type II diabetes and prevent complications and untimely death associated with all types of diabetes. Available evidence suggests that the majority of diabetes cases recorded globally can be prevented through behavioural and lifestyle changes.

Below are some tips to help you prevent (type II) and manage diabetes.

• Be active; WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise ( e.g. jogging, brisk walking, gardening) spread throughout the week. It is believed that regular and sufficient levels of physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake and utilization.

• Lose some weight; weight reduction in general help reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes.

• Dietary modification; On the plate should be foods high in fibre such as whole grains, legumes. Evidence indicates that dietary fibre help reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes. World Health Organisation and Food and Agricultural Organisation, US, recommends a minimum of 20g dietary fibre intake per day. As a preventive approach, people should limit both saturated fatty acids and sugar intake to 10% of total energy intake.

• Early diagnosis and monitoring; There should be regular screening at least once per year for early detection. If the condition is detected early, it has a good prognosis.

• At the national level, government and all necessary stakeholders can formulate policies that regulate the advertisement and marketing of sugar-sweetened beverages, high fat and salty foods.

Diabetes is a complex chronic condition that requires a multidisciplinary management team. The Dietitian is one of the experts that help in the nutritional management of the condition. You cannot manage diabetes on your own, seek expert assistance.

Writer; Pius Sarfo Buobu

Contact; 0244944249

Email; foodandnutritionhubo1@gmail.com