DOH says go slow on sugar intake

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITYMILK teas, cakes, chocolates, and everything sweet can contribute to the rise of anyone’s sugar level, which can lead to diabetes if not controlled, warned Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad.

Labitad, head of the non-communicable diseases cluster of the Department of Health, said during a health forum here that Region 10 has recorded at least 1,400 cases of diabetes.

Diabetes is an illness where the blood sugar level of one person is higher than average. A person may be diabetic when his or her fasting blood sugar, or sugar level is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl or if a random blood sugar level of more than or equal to 200 mg/dl.

There is also pre-diabetes where the blood sugar is higher than normal sugar level but it is not super high that may be considered diabetes.

Labitad said the worst case scenario of diabetes is its complications. First, it can affect the micro vascular organs. “Mabati nato nga naa'y mga tingling sensation, the blood vessels that nourishes the nerve sa atong lawas, kay na damage na because of diabetes,” he said.

“Second, it can affect the eyesight called retinopathy. These are very tiny micro vascular, damaging this blood vessel or vascular system in the eyes, which will lead to damage to the eyesight. Naa'y uban diabetic, mabuta na, kay tungod sa diabetes,” he added.

He said the kidneys may be affected too. Called diabetic nephropathy, he said the kidneys may deteriorate because of complications of diabetes which can lead to kidney failure or renal disease.

Diabetes can be acquired through genes or through environmental factors. Labitad said one of the symptoms of a diabetic is persistent hunger. “When you are always hungry, it could mean you are diabetic,” Labitad said, thus, it is better to get checked in the nearest health station by a medical officer, adding “diabetes cannot be cured but there is treatment.”

Labitad said to avoid diabetes, a good physical activity for at least 120 minutes a week or three days of vigorous exercise, is vital to health because exercises burn stored energy and reduce weight. “Weight is one of the risk factors for diabetes, those who are obese and overweight,” he said. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat)