Know more about diabetes
Diabetes is the number one killer of women in South Africa. This is according to Bridget McNulty, one of South Africa’s most trusted diabetes voices, who obtained the information from Statistics South Africa.
“This is horrific, as diabetes should not be a lethal condition,” she says.
McNulty co-founded Sweet Life, SA Diabetes Advocacy and the Diabetes Alliance.
She is also a member of the International Diabetes Federation’s Blue Circle Voices and a published author.
Diabetes occures when the body produces too little or no insulin, or is unable to use insulin properly, says McNulty. “There are three types of diabetes – Types 1 and 2, and gestational diabetes.”
Type 1 is an autoimmune condition in which the body destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. “It is not caused by eating the wrong food, eating too much sugar or being overweight,” says McNulty.
Type 2, which accounts for 90% of cases, is usually caused by a lack of insulin and insulin resistance. “It is hereditary and is often called a lifestyle disease because it can be caused by being overweight or obese, eating the wrong foods and not exercising,” McNulty explains.
Gestational diabetes, which is diagnosed during pregnancy, usually goes away after the child is born.
According to Diabetes South Africa National Manager Margot McCumisky, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and there is no cure. “If not treated, it will result in death,” she says.
McNulty says untreated
Type 2 diabetes can result in long-term complications, such as blindness, amputation, heart disease and kidney failure. “These are preventable if the diabetes is diagnosed early enough, good treatment is given and lifestyle changes are made.”
Warning signs
According to McCumisky, warning signs of diabetes include being very thirsty, urinating frequently, weight loss for no apparent reason, slow healing of wounds, repeated infections and blurred vision.
“Many people experience no symptoms or only one or two symptoms, which are not alarming enough to make them go to a doctor. If one has a genetic risk factor, for example, if someone in their family has been diagnosed
“Many people experience no symptoms or only one or two symptoms, which are not alarming enough to make them
go to a doctor.”
with diabetes, they should be screened at least once per year,” she says.
Testing involves an initial finger prick test to assess blood glucose levels. This can be done at any pharmacy or clinic and takes less than five minutes. If levels are abnormally high, you should go to a doctor who will send you for further tests, says McCumisky.
The most common treatment for Type 2 diabetes is tablets (metformin), followed by insulin injections in later years; while the treatment for Type 1 is insulin immediately, says McNulty.
“Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed, but Type 2 can be reversed if it is diagnosed early enough,” she adds.
Tips to prevent diabetes
To live a healthier life and help prevent diabetes, McCumisky says you should try to lose weight if you are overweight; start a regular exercise routine, even if it’s just short walks every day; change to healthier eating habits; and reduce carbohydrates to no more than a quarter of your plate.
“Making lifestyle changes can seem overwhelming, so set yourself small, reachable goals and keep working at them until you achieve success. Then choose another goal and keep working at it.
Don’t beat yourself up if you slip now and again, just get back to it and keep going. Rome wasn’t built in a day,” she adds.
Show your support, wear blue
The World Diabetes Day (14 November) theme for the next two years is; “Diabetes Education and Support” which forms a crucial part of treatment for those diagnosed with diabetes, says McCumisky.
“Living with diabetes every day and trying to manage your blood glucose levels is not easy. It is important to receive education and support to assist you along your journey. You can support your colleagues with diabetes by educating yourself about the disease and asking questions so that you can understand how to help them,” she adds.
McNulty says one of the most important things you can do is to understand how diabetes affects their life.
“Every person is different and support looks different for everyone. But if you ask: ‘How does diabetes affect you?’ and then listen, you will know how to support them. It might be by always having a sugary snack in your desk drawer, in case they need it for low blood sugar; listening while they vent; or suggesting healthy options for work lunches.”
“With the right support, diabetes is a manageable condition. Without the right support – and if people feel stigmatised – it can become very difficult to manage. One way to visibly show support is to sign up for the Wear Blue for Diabetes campaign on World Diabetes Day,” says McNulty.