Diabetes

Diabetes can occur in anybody. There are warning signs to watch out for in Type 1 diabetes but not much can be done about this. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is completely preventable and as such care should be taken when the warning signs begin to appear. There is also Type 3 diabetes which occurs during pregnancy .

Type 1: Occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. It usually begins in young people under the age of 30, including very young children and infants, and the onset is sudden and dramatic. People who have type-1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin to survive. Insulin dosages are carefully balanced with food intake and exercise programmes.

Type 2:  Is caused when the insulin, which the pancreas produces, is either not enough or does not work properly. Approximately 85 - 90% of all people with diabetes are type 2, and many people who have this condition are undiagnosed.

You are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes:

  •        If you are over the age of 35
  •        If you are overweight 
  •        If you carry most of your weight aroud your waist
  •        If there is a history of diabetes in your family
  •        If you have high cholesterol
  •        If you have high blood pressure;
  •        If you have heart disease
  •        If you suffered from gestational diabetes during pregnancy 
  •        If you fall within a high risk group

Type 3:  Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Both mother and child have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future.

Diabetes in South Africa

According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes affects approximately 840 000 South Africans. You can try to avoid Type 2 diabetes by having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not drinking alcohol or smoking. 

If you do become diabetic, eating wisely, exercising regularly, and limiting your sugar intake will help prevent the diabetes from affecting your health further.  If you are on insulin injections or oral medication (tablets), make sure you take the correct dosage at the correct intervals.  You do not want your blood sugar levels to rise too high or drop too low. 

For more information on diabetes, follow these links:

SADA

Health24

Page last updated 24 February 2010