Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a type of diabetes mellitus caused when the body does not make insulin ( which helps to reduce blood sugar levels by facilitating the entry of glucose into the cells for energy ). Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when the cells in the body do not respond to insulin normally due to being overweight, or being less active. Gestational diabetics is the type that can develop in pregnant women, who do not have diabetes before. In addition to being overweight and less active, a family history of diabetes, smoking, exposure to tobacco smoke, and high blood sugar during pregnancy can also contribute to the disease.
According to the STEP Survey 2020-2021, in Maldives, 14% of the study participants reported having diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Lack of energy
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
Risk factor of Type 2 diabetes
- A family History of diabetes
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Lack of physical activity
- Being overweight
- Age
- High blood pressure
- Ethnicity
- A history of diabetes in pregnancy
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy
Prevention
- Choose to eat healthy foods and drinks
- Eat a balance diet
- Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI).
- Get active and exercise
- No smoking and avoidance of tobacco smoke.
- Tests to confirm your disease status. (especially if you have any symptoms of diabetes, if you live in a situation that predisposes you to diabetes or if you have diabetics in your family)
Responsivity of Diabetic patient
- Take medication regularly
- Tests to diagnose the condition and ensure that blood sugar is under control and to check whether the disease is causing damage to an organ
- Regularly consult a doctor or health care provider
- Keep your diet in check and exercise regularly