Diabetes: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

On this World Diabetes Awareness Day, All and About is here to fill you in on what you need to know about the condition. In the second part of this article, we will explore the things you can do to reduce your diabetes risk and if you already have a diagnosis, what you can do to live a positive, healthy lifestyle. Plus, read on to find out how you can get involved locally with the cause.

Who should get tested?

In addition to people who have the symptoms listed in the last article, the Mayo Clinic also recommends that the following groups of people also get diabetes tests:

– Over 45s: An initial blood sugar test is recommended for people from this age group, but if the results are normal then a test once every three years is recommended.

– People with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25 (over 23 for people of Asian descent) of all ages who have other risk factors such as a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or heart disease, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or having a close relative with diabetes.

– Women who have gestational diabetes: This category is advised to get tested every three years.

– People diagnosed with pre-diabetes: This category is advised to get tested annually.

Reducing your risk

You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 and gestational diabetes by ensuring you live a healthy lifestyle that includes:

– Eating a nutritious, balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

– Exercising regularly: The American Heart Association recommends that adults clock in 150 minutes of moderate activity a week or 75 minutes of intense activity. The former can be achieved by doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 5 days a week. If you’re short for time, you can break up your 30 activity into three 10-minute chunks or two 15-minute ones.

– Getting sufficient sleep.

In addition to following these steps, pregnant women are advised to keep up with their obstetric appointments during pregnancy. While following a healthy lifestyle before and after pregnancy will reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes, some women’s bodies will struggle to regulate their blood sugars, and proper management during that time is essential.

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented as it is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas and stops it from making insulin. But as with other types of diabetes, it can be managed.

Management

Being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t have to mean that it’s all going to be doom and gloom, so don’t panic. With efficient management, you can live a happy, healthy life.

In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, patients are advised to keep on top of their blood-sugar levels. For type 1 diabetics who take insulin injections or use insulin pumps, this could mean checking your blood-sugar four times a day or more to ensure that they remain in a good range. For type 2 diabetics, this can be done less often.

It’s also important that you keep up with your insulin treatments and other types of medication prescribed to you by your doctor. And remember, keep showing up for your appointments and do not hesitate to make some if you don’t feel right.

Get involved

Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), an organisation part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development that provides resources, information and care for people living with diabetes in this country.

The organisation provides an array of volunteering opportunities in which you can get involved, all you have to do is stop by QDA and fill in a form, or you can do it online on the QDA website. So get tested, live as healthily as you can, and stay aware.

By Tesneem Ayoub

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451

2. https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-1-diabetes/type-1-diabetes-prevention

3. https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-2-diabetes/type-2-diabetes-prevention

4. https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/4-practical-tips-to-help-avoid-gestational-diabetes/

5. https://qda.org.qa

6. https://www.thesleepdoctor.com/2018/05/08/understanding-the-connection-between-sleep-and-diabete