|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 14 November 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Today is World Diabetes Day : Living with diabetes The following article answers frequently asked questions on a disease affecting more than half of Sri Lanka's population.
A: The food we eat is eventually turned into glucose. The normal level of fasting blood glucose is less than or equal to 126 mg/dl and the normal level of blood glucose 2 hours after meals (post prandial) is less than 200 mg/dl. If the blood glucose levels are above this, the person is termed diabetic. Q: Are there different types of diabetes? A: Yes. Diabetes is usually of two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is also known as IDDM (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus). A person with Type 1 diabetes does not produce enough insulin. This develops more frequently in children and adolescents and may also occur in adults. In order to live a normal life they have to take insulin regularly. Type 2 diabetes is also known as NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus). Adults are generally more prone to get type 2 Diabetes, but it is also a major concern in the adolescent age group in many parts of the world. A person with type 2 diabetes is essentially unable to utilise the insulin produced by the pancreas, which also produces only a relatively lesser quantity of insulin. Patients with type 2 diabetes have to depend on Oral Medications to control blood glucose levels. Q: Are there any other specific types? A: Gestational diabetes: This develops in pregnant women who do not have diabetes prior to pregnancy. Around 2.5 per cent of pregnant women might develop such a type of diabetes, which disappears when the pregnancy is over. There are, however, high chances that women who have gestational diabetes might develop type 2 diabetes later. Q: What are the symptoms of diabetes? A: Type 1 diabetes: The symptoms vary in intensity and include excessive thirst, excessive passing of urine, weight loss, lack of energy and recurrent infections. Type 2 diabetes: The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes may also be evident in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Very often there are no early symptoms that might allow diagnosis several years after the onset of the condition. Q: Could diabetes be life threatening? A: Yes, if not managed properly diabetes can seriously affect the quality of life. It can lead to diseases of the heart and the kidney, blindness, impotence and lower limb amputation. Q: What are the complications caused by diabetes? A: Complications caused by diabetes are divided into two groups namely short-term and long-term complications. Hypoglycaemia: This is a condition characterised by abnormally low levels of blood glucose. This can be caused either by an overdose of anti-diabetic medication or too much exercise and insufficient food intake. This condition can be corrected by eating some sugar or anything else that is sweet. Ketoacidosis: This is a serious condition caused by the lack of insulin. The blood in this condition becomes acidic. Ketoacidosis is also known as diabetic coma and is generally associated with type 1 Diabetes. Bacterial/fungal infection: Diabetics are more prone to infections like boils, athletes foot, ringworm and vaginal infection. Eye disease (Retinopathy): Retinopathy causes damage to the Retina. It is the commonest cause of blindness in people aged 30-69 years. One fifth of the patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes have retinopathy. After 15 years, almost all patients with type 1 diabetes and two thirds of those with type 2 diabetes develop retinopathy. Kidney disease (Nephropathy): This is one of the major complications associated with diabetes. By the age of fifty majority of the people with type 1 Diabetes have been found to develop severe Kidney disease. Such a condition could require dialysis or even Kidney transplantation. Nerve disease (Neuropathy): Neuropathy affects 40-50 per cent of patients with diabetes. It leads to pain and lack of sensation in the legs and feet, causing injury and infection. It can also cause impotence in men besides damaging nerves in the heart, lungs, bladder, stomach and intestine. Foot ulcers caused due to neuropathy can effect 15 per cent of all diabetics. In severe cases, foot ulcers might require amputation of the foot or lower leg. Heart disease (Cardiovascular disease): Heart disease is the leading cause of death among diabetics. The chance of heart disease are two to five times higher in diabetics. Q: Can Diabetes be cured? A: Diabetes is a disorder which cannot be cured but if properly managed through lifestyle modification and or medication, a diabetic can lead a healthy and normal life. Q: What should be done to manage Diabetes? A: The key is to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved by a combination of the following. Diet: Food raises blood glucose levels. Therefore foods with sugar content should be avoided. Physical Exercise: Exercise lowers the blood glucose by stimulating the muscles to utilise the glucose. Exercise also causes weight loss which is important for people with type 2 diabetes. Medication: If diet and exercise fail to control diabetes then medicines are administered. Q: Can Diabetes be prevented? A: Yes. Modifying lifestyle early in life can prevent type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes aimed at weight control and increased physical activity are vital in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Besides, people with type 2 diabetes should have checkups regularly. This is because early detection and treatment can substantially reduce the risk of developing complications. It is important to note that management of high blood pressure and raised blood fats is equally important. Courtesy: IPCA Laboratories Ltd. **** Check your sugar levels The Ceylinco Diabetes Centre, has designated November as its 'Diabetes month' and will offer a 10 per cent discount on all investigation packages during this period, states a press release issued by the Ceylinco Healthcare Services Ltd. These special rates are in lieu of World Diabetes Day, which is observed worldwide on November 14. The discounts would apply to any of seven comprehensive packages comprising medical examinations and diagnostic tests designed for different categories of visitors. The packages range from general health checks to a series of specific tests for diagnosed diabetics, individuals with a high risk of developing diabetes, diabetics with high risk of kidney disease, juvenile diabetics, non diabetics and pregnant women. "Our objective is to generate greater awareness of the need for early detection and better management of diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of death in Sri Lanka,' the Centre's Senior Medical Officer Dr. Samanthi de Silva said. She said the Centre also plans to conduct a public presentation on diabetes on World Diabetes Day. **** 'Fight Obesity, Prevent Diabetes' The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has chosen the theme, for this year, 'Fight Obesity, Prevent Diabetes' to highlight the important connection between the two conditions. It has been reported by the International Obesity task force that 1.7 billion persons in the world are either overweight or obese. This places them at risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes and Heart Disease. This is the first time that Primary Prevention has been highlighted as the need of the hour. The IDF has included prevention as part of its mission statement which now read as "Care, Prevention and Cure". The Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka has highlighted the need for Primary Prevention in addition to its Secondary Prevention strategies, as it is the only way to combat the raging epidemic involving the people of the world. At the International Conference in July 2002 hosted by the Association in Colombo, 350 experts, from 32 countries unanimously agreed on the Aetiological factors of Type 2 Diabetes. These factors were: 1. Genetic 2. Foetal origins 3. Lifestyle 4. Stress The Association has also highlighted the seriousness of the epidemic of diabetes and its spread amongst children and the links with obesity. On November 14 a joint effort between Rotary International and the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka will be launched at its Battaramulla Branch to spread awareness and increase education both nationally and internationally. This will be done using the Rotary International Network of clubs. The Lions Club International will also join this awareness campaign through its Leo Club network consisting of young persons to highlight the fact of preserving health and preventing diabetes in school children.A meeting will be held by stakeholders on November 26 at the National Diabetes Centre to educate senior school children and prefects of the schools of Colombo so that they would carry the message to their peers. The Association has also appealed to both the printed and the electronic media to spread the message of diabetes and its prevention by educating them on the following methods of care: Protect the entire family when an index patient is identified; Improve the nutrition of the girl child/pregnant mother to ensure a well formed, normal weight child. Avoid consumption of excessive quantities of refined foods; have regular meals in modest quantity. Lead an active life. Minimise stress. Meanwhile IDF has adopted the following strategies: Encourage healthy dietary patterns at an early age. Physical activity should form a central part of both childhood and adult lifestyles. Clear food labelling and a reduction in portion size are crucial factors in encouraging a healthy diet. Children should be protected from advertising, which promotes inappropriate (and unnecessary) consumption of energy dense (high calorie) food and drink. To prevent the development of diabetes and obesity from early childhood the IDF has also recommended: Creation of suitable footpaths, designed tracks and road schemes that allow safe walking, cycling and the use of play areas around the home and school. Change in school curriculum to encourage children to participate in sports and physical activity. Implement policies to control access to energy dense food and drinks,
whether at home, on the way to school or at school itself. Events SLMA Foundation sessions The foundation sessions of the Sri Lanka Medical Association will be held from 18-20 November at the Lionel Memorial Auditorium. The scientific sessions will include a seminar on 'Dengue' by Drs. Nihal Abeysinghe, Pradeep Kariyawasam, Maxie Fernandopulle and Panduka Karunanayake. A Seminar on 'Poisoning' will be held on the same day and "An overview of the problem of poisoning in Sri Lanka" will be presented by Prof. Ravindra Fernando. Other topics are 'Management of Cardiac Toxicity of Tricyclic Antidepressants', 'Snake bite', 'Paracetamol Poisoning', 'Paraquat Poisoning', 'Prevention of Industrial Poisoning', 'The Effects of Organophosphorus Poisoning in the Neuro-Muscular Junction', and 'Effectiveness of Super Activated Charcoal'. The speakers will be Prof. Andrew Dawson, Dr. Priyadharshani Galappaththi, Prof. P. L. Ariyananda, Dr. Michael Eddleston, Dr. Kolitha Sellahewa, Mr. D. L. A. Peiris and Prof Nimal Senanayake. Other events will include a seminar on 'Common Medical Disorders', Asthma and Diabetes. Dr. Mahen Wijesuriya, Prof. C. B. Sridhar, Prof. Upali Illagasekera and Prof. Devaka Fernando will speak in symposium on 'Diabetes Mellitus' organised jointly with the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka. A symposium on 'Adolescence' organised jointly with the College of Pediatricians will also be part of the sessions. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
Q: What is diabetes?
