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Diabetes
The Facts
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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is defined by high blood sugar levels that happen when the body loses the ability to make or use insulin effectively.
When insulin is not available for cells, the body cannot obtain the glucose or sugar from foods eaten to use it as energy. Types of diabetes and related conditions include:
Type 1 diabetes- occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and adults. Treatment includes regular blood sugar tests, insulin therapy and other medical intervention.
Type 2 diabetes - occurs when the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively. The condition can often be managed by diet, exercise and blood sugar monitoring.
Pre-diabetes - occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed. Those with pre-diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. It may be avoided by weight loss and increased physical activity.
According to the American Diabetes Association, common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination,
- Excessive thirst,
- Increased appetite,
- Rapid weight loss,
- Irritability,
- Blurry vision, and
- Increased and persistent fatigue.
Risk Factors & Causes
The actual cause of diabetes is still not known, however both genetics and environmental e.g., lack of exercise and obesity, seem to be the leading contributor factors. There are many factors that increase the chance of getting diabetes, but there is no definite answer to why a person has diabetes.
Risk factors (that increase the chance of getting diabetes are):
- Lack of exercise;
- Family history - if diabetes runs in the family, it is the single highest factor increasing the chance of getting diabetes;
- Diet - eating too much of proteins, fats and carbohydrates may prevent the pancreas from performing its function of insulin production;
- Obesity;
- Age;
- High blood pressure and cholesterol;
- Virus infections - certain types of viruses may cause the pancreas to malfunction;
- Stress, smoking & alcoholism; and
- Ethnic background - Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian and African ethnic groups are at higher risk of getting diabetes.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no real cure for diabetes. However, insulin can be given to a diabetic via a syringe or other device, to maintain the body's insulin level. This, along with blood pressure and cholesterol medication, can control diabetes. Weight management is also important in treating diabetes.
Prevention.
You can prevent by weight management, diet correction and physical activity all lower the chances of getting diabetes. For more about treatment and prevention see our interviews with Dr. Charlie Kanawati and Lea Debian.
Doktori interviews Léa Débian, Dietician from CosmeSurge – Dubai. Ms. Debian talks about diabetes and diet.
Click here to read full interview »
Doktori interviews Dr. Charlie Kanawati, Specialist Ophthalmologist Retina & Laser Specialist from The City Hospital – Dubai. Dr. Kanawati talks about diabetic retinopathy. Click here to read full interview »
Prevention.
You can prevent by weight management, diet correction and physical activity all lower the chances of getting diabetes. For more about treatment and prevention see our interviews with Dr. Charlie Kanawati and Lea Debian.
Doktori interviews Léa Débian, Dietician from CosmeSurge – Dubai. Ms. Debian talks about diabetes and diet.Click here to read full interview »
Doktori interviews Dr. Charlie Kanawati, Specialist Ophthalmologist Retina & Laser Specialist from The City Hospital – Dubai. Dr. Kanawati talks about diabetic retinopathy. Click here to read full interview »The Stats
“The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are 246 million adults with diabetes. The Western Pacific region and Europe have the highest number of people with diabetes, approximately 67 and 53 million, respectively. The highest prevalence rates are found in North America (9.2 percent) and Europe (8.4 percent). The five countries will the largest numbers of people with diabetes are India, China, the United States, Russia and Germany. The five countries with the highest prevalence rates are Nauru, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. The number of people with diabetes is expected to increase alarmingly in the coming decades, rising to 380 million people in 2025.
Developed countries have higher prevalence rates than developing countries, but the latter will be hit the hardest by the diabetes epidemic. Increased urbanization, westernization and economic development in developing countries have already contributed to a substantial rise in diabetes.
More stats can be read at The World Health Sciences
UAE Stats:
- 1 of 5 UAE Nationals is diabetic. 1 of 3 is pre diabetic.
- For every UAE National who reaches the age of 50 1 of 2 or 50% will be diabetic before they die.
[Weqaua Statistics and UAE University analysis of 76.000 residents]
