Read part 1 of this article: Diabetes; Known or Unknown?
There are known groups of people who are at risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2). To be in a risk group doesn’t necessarily mean that you will certainly develop diabetes but statistics have shown that such people stand a higher
chance of developing the disease. It stands therefore to reason that such individuals should become more cautious as to how they live in order to prevent the disease. The risk factors include obesity, family history of diabetes, lack of physical activity and previous gestational diabetes (i.e when a pregnant woman develops ‘diabetes’ during the pregnancy but it usually resolves after delivery).
DM2 is commonest among adults, especially those above 40 years. There are 4 classic symptoms of diabetes; Excessive urination, Excessive thirst, Excessive hunger and Unexplained weight loss. One should consult his physician when one notices these symptoms.
The fatality of DM2 lies in the unawareness of people and refusal to seek medical help. There are various management procedures used in increasing the life expectancy of diagnosed diabetics. The procedures employ Drugs, Exercise and Diet management.
The drugs used, among others include metformin – improves how the body responds to insulin, sulfonylureas – help the body system make more insulin, and glinides – stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin; single usage and combinations are based on stage of condition. One should only obtain these drugs by prescription by a physician. The drugs are for diagnosed diabetics.
Read part 3 of this article: Lab Investigations in Diabetes
Exercise that increases physical activity like sprinting, road jogging, jump roping, squatting, and swimming, among others should be undertaken especially by diagnosed diabetics and those in the diabetes risk groups.
For diet management of diagnosed diabetics, there should be a reduction in the intake of carbohydrate laden foods as well as avoiding baked foods, beef, organ meat, soft drinks, processed snacks, salt, oil, foods with high saturated fat (butter, cheese, pork, etc) and foods with high trans-fat (microwaved popcorn, doughnuts, etc). People in risk groups should eat the above mentioned foods in moderation. Encouraged meals for diabetics and risk groups include foods rich in fiber (oats, beans, etc), foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids (cod, sardine, tuna, mackerel, salmon, etc), avocado, olive oil, almond, fruits and vegetables. Since different individuals have different allowable calorie intake, it is necessary that one seeks a dietitian appointment for a meal plan guide.
To see a dietitian, kindly contact +233540666781
This article was written by Joseph Ofori and reviewed by Arnold Agyapong Prempeh, both professional Medical Laboratory Scientists.