Each year, on 14 November the world pauses to acknowledge and spread awareness of diabetes. The date is significant because it’s the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting. In 1922, aided by his team, Sir Frederick Banting discovered insulin.

With the 2021–2023 campaign focused on “Access to Diabetes Care,” this year’s theme is “Education to Protect Tomorrow.” Therefore, this World Diabetes Day’s goal is to share pertinent information on preventative and therapeutic diabetic care.

In solidarity with the world and those in our local community living with diabetes, we want to do our part. In this article, we aim to demystify the disease and share tips on how you can manage it. After all, it’s through education that we can protect our health for tomorrow.

Demystifying Diabetes – What you need to know

Diabetes occurs when one’s blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and is produced from the food we eat. To do this insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas must be produced. When the body fails to make enough insulin or use it properly, glucose stays in the blood. This causes health problems.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 is more severe. People affected by type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin. As such, they rely on daily dosages of insulin to stay alive.

When left untreated type 1 diabetes can cause damage to:

• Eyes
• Kidneys
• Heart

People with Type 2 diabetes differ in that they do not produce enough insulin or use it well. It is the most common form of diabetes, and though it can be developed at any age, it is more prevalent in older people.

Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as ‘adult on-set’ diabetes. This type is linked to people who are overweight. Additionally, the goal of treatment is to aid the body in using its own insulin more efficiently.

Managing Diabetes – What you need to do

Diabetes is incurable. Blood sugar levels in the appropriate range must be maintained to stay healthy. Factors that impact blood sugar levels are stress, food, exercise, and general health.

Some quick tips for managing diabetes are:

Take the test. Check your blood glucose levels regularly or as recommended by your physician

Determine and maintain your blood pressure level goal. Your healthcare provider can guide you.

Keep your bad cholesterol low. There are two types; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein. What you need to remember is that LDL is bad. It can clog your arteries, causing a heart attack.

Get moving. You have to exercise. Let physical activity become part of your weekly routine.

Create a meal plan. Diligently guard what goes into your body. You should pay attention to what you eat and ensure it does not affect your glucose, cholesterol, or blood pressure levels negatively. Foods that are lower in calories, trans and saturated fat, as well as sugar and salt, are better choices.

Be sure to keep abreast of new discoveries, practice healthy lifestyle habits, and manage your diabetes.

Now, to find a medical practitioner near you, search your Find Yello’s Doctors-Medical listing.

Stay healthy.

Sources: WebMD, Medical News Today