Diabetes
Meerensee Medical Centre
Advanced Medicine
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and is steadily increasing.
Dr S Govender is a diabetic doctor, accredited by the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE).
Our Mission is to Empower you with Knowledge and Understanding of Diabetes to help you Manage and Live a Healthier, Fulfilling Life.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about diabetes, including its types, causes, symptoms, complications, management, and prevention.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the primary source of energy for your cells, and its levels need to be carefully controlled for your body to function optimally.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas.
- People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels.
- It usually develops in childhood or early adulthood and cannot be prevented.
- Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not effectively respond to insulin.
- It often develops in adults, but it can also affect children and adolescents, especially due to lifestyle factors.
- Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to genetics and lifestyle factors such as diet & physical activity.
Causes
Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with diabetes is essential for prevention and management.
Causes of Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
- Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production.
Risk Factors
- Family history of diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Ethnicity (higher risk among certain populations)
Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Recurrent infections
Complications
Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to various complications affecting different parts of the body.
Short-term Complications
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Long-term Complications
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye problems (retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Foot complications
- Dental issues
- Skin conditions
- Alzheimer’s disease
Management
Effective diabetes management involves a multifaceted approach to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Medications
- Oral medications
- Injectable medications
- Insulin therapy
Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Weight management
- Blood sugar monitoring
Blood Sugar Targets
- Fasting and postprandial (after-meal) targets
Regular Checkups
- Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eye exams
- Dental checkups
Prevention
While some risk factors for diabetes are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to lower your risk or delay its onset.
Healthy Lifestyle
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
Screenings and Early Detection
- Regular health checkups
- Monitoring blood sugar levels if at risk
Conclusion
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires active management and lifestyle changes. However, with the right knowledge and support, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life while effectively managing your diabetes. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it that my Diabetic medication keeps increasing? Can i prevent that?
A person’s diabetic medication may need to be increased over time due to several reasons, as diabetes is a progressive condition that can change over the course of months or years. Here are some common factors that can lead to an increase in diabetic medication:
Progressive Nature of Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition that tends to worsen over time. Initially, a person may have good control of their blood sugar with a particular medication or treatment plan. However, as the disease progresses, the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively may decrease, necessitating adjustments in medication.
Insulin Resistance: In the case of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance often plays a significant role. Over time, the body may become more resistant to the effects of insulin, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. To compensate for this increased resistance, healthcare providers may need to increase the dosage of oral medications or add insulin therapy.
Beta Cell Function: In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may gradually produce less insulin over time. This decline in beta cell function can lead to higher blood sugar levels, requiring adjustments in medication to maintain adequate control.
Changes in Lifestyle: A person’s lifestyle can influence their diabetes management. If a person becomes less physically active, gains weight, or makes dietary choices that are less favorable for blood sugar control, it may be necessary to adjust their medication regimen to compensate for these changes.
Stress and Illness: Stress and certain illnesses can lead to temporary increases in blood sugar levels. During these times, a healthcare provider may recommend adjusting medication to maintain better control until the stress or illness subsides.
Medication Tolerance: In some cases, the body may become less responsive to a particular medication over time. This can require a switch to a different medication or the addition of a new one to achieve better blood sugar control.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can affect blood sugar levels. Adjustments in medication may be necessary to manage these fluctuations.
It’s important to emphasize that any changes in diabetic medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. Regular check-ups and monitoring of blood sugar levels are essential for determining when and how medication adjustments are needed. The goal of increasing medication is to maintain target blood sugar levels and prevent or reduce the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, should be part of the overall diabetes management plan and may help reduce the need for medication adjustments.
Can I put Diabetes into Remissions?
Yes, it is possible.
However, it’s important to understand that achieving remission is not the same as being cured of diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition, and while remission is possible, it often requires ongoing efforts to maintain.
Does Remission mean, I won't be on Diabetic Medication?
Here’s a breakdown of what remission means for diabetes:
Partial Remission: In some cases, individuals with type 2 diabetes can achieve partial remission, where their blood sugar levels have improved, and they may no longer need some or all of their diabetes medications. However, they may still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and possibly take lower doses of medication.
Complete Remission: Complete remission means that blood sugar levels have returned to the normal range without the need for any diabetes medication. Achieving complete remission is less common and often requires significant lifestyle changes, such as substantial weight loss and improved physical activity.
Maintenance: Regardless of whether you achieve partial or complete remission, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to sustain these improvements. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and managing stress.
Risk of Relapse: There is always a risk of relapse if lifestyle factors change. For example, if someone regains weight, becomes less active, or experiences increased stress, their blood sugar levels may worsen, and they may need to resume diabetes medication.
Type 1 Diabetes: Individuals with type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, cannot achieve remission because their bodies no longer produce insulin. They will always require insulin therapy.
It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. Your healthcare provider can help you set realistic goals for blood sugar control, adjust medication as needed, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.
While achieving remission is a positive outcome and can significantly improve your quality of life, it’s important to view it as a part of your ongoing diabetes management journey, rather than a permanent cure. Diabetes management should be personalized to your needs, and regular monitoring is essential to ensure that your blood sugar levels remain within a healthy range.
Diabetic Clinic
Dr S Govender is a Diabetic Practitioner accredited by the Centre of Diabetes & Endocrinology (CDE).
When it comes to managing your diabetes, your choice of healthcare provider can profoundly impact your health and quality of life.
Dr. S. Govender is a distinguished healthcare professional with specialized training and accreditation in diabetic care. She is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in diabetes management ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care.
Dr. S Govender believes in a holistic approach to diabetes care. She understands that other hormonal imbalance can affect a person’s glucose metabolism and make management of diabetes less optimal. Attend her METABOLIC AND WELLNESS CLINIC, to receive a full comprehensive assessment and management plan.
Type 2 Diabetic, Taking Insulin
What you need to know
You Blood Sugar levels cannot be controlled with Oral Medication alone. Your doctor has Decreased your Oral Diabetic Medication and has started you on Insulin.
Exercise is still important to overcome the Insulin Resistance.
Familiarize yourself with the type of Insulin you taking. Short, Intermediate or Long Acting Insulin. Is it a Disposable Prefilled Pen or a Reusable Cartridge Pen.
Is it a Clear or Cloudy Solution? If it is Cloudy, Reconstitute it Correctly. Roll it between your palms gently 10 times. Then gently Invert it 10 times. Avoid Vigorous Shaking, this will Damage the Insulin and give you suboptimal results.
Pay attention to needle size. The most common needle size used is 4mm and does not require a skin pinch.
Do not reuse your Needles more than 5 times. This can lead to Infection, Lipodystrophy, Bruising and Pain.
Check your injection technique.
- Dial up the Correct Insulin Units
- Inject Correctly, 90 Degree Angle to your Skin
- Once Injected, hold for 10 seconds, there should be No Leakage with Removal of the Needle
If using your Abdomen, Divide your Abdomen into 4 Quadrants. In each Quadrant, start in one spot and do the following dose one cm apart. Rotate the Quadrants Weekly.
Inspect your Abdomen for Infections, Inflammation, Hard Lumps or Fat Wasting. Avoid these areas as it can cause Erratic Insulin Uptake and as a result Erratic Blood Sugar Levels.
Store your Insulin Correctly. Keep your Insulin Supply in the Fridge (4 degrees celicus). Never allow your Insulin to Freeze. Most insulin needs to be used within 28 days of opening them. Once opened, it can be stored at room temperature. Don’t expose your insulin to extreme heat or cold. Don’t exposure your insulin to direct Sunlight.
Inspect your insulin before each use. Look for changes in colour or clarity. Look for clumps, solid white particles, or crystals in the pen. Insulin that is clear should always be clear and never look cloudy.
When traveling with your insulin, keep it in your hand luggage to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
Factors affecting Insulin Absorption
- Re-suspension of Cloudy Insulin
- Dose Size
- Massaging Injection Site
- Higher Skin Temperature
- Injecting into an Exercising Limb
- Smoking
- Stress
- Age