Taking control of diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects the lives of millions every day. More than 220 million people worldwide suffer from the disease, while on our home turf more than one in five South Africans over the age of 35 has Type 2 diabetes, and more than 50% of these individuals are unaware that they even have the disease.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on diabetes.

What exactly is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce or properly respond to insulin, a hormone protein that the body needs to convert sugar and other foods into the energy needed for daily life.

Diabetes is a serious illness for which there is no cure. It is vital that it is correctly treated. If it is left untreated or unmanaged, the high levels of blood glucose associated with diabetes can slowly damage both the fine nerves and the small and large blood vessels in the body, resulting in a variety of complications.These include heart disease, blindness, limb amputation, kidney disease and erectile dysfunction or impotence. It is therefore imperative that you know what the symptoms of diabetes are and whether or not you are at risk.

What to look out for
 Blurred vision
 Cuts and bruises that will not heal
 Excessive passing of urine
 Family history of diabetes
 If your baby weighs 4kg or more at birth
 Overweight or sudden weight change
 Tiredness
 Unquenchable thirst.

Types of diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed at a young age. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin and daily injections of insulin are needed. The exact cause is unknown, although evidence suggests that genetics, viruses and autoimmune problems may play a role.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It usually occurs in adulthood, but young people are increasingly being diagnosed with this disease. With this type of diabetes the body does not use insulin properly and therefore does not process sugar and other foods into energy correctly. Type 2 diabetes is most often the result of excess body weight and a lack of exercise.

Prevention and management of the disease
While there is currently no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it is possible for Type 2 diabetes to be prevented by maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle, as well as not smoking and reducing sugar and saturated fat intake. A healthy diet must include plenty of vegetables and water.

If already diagnosed with the disease, then certain steps must be taken to manage it. Long-term goals of treatment are to prolong life, reduce symptoms and prevent diabetes-related complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputation of limbs. Effective management of the disease includes regular testing of blood glucose levels, meal planning and weight control.

Should I be tested for diabetes?
Most people do not know that they have diabetes. People should, therefore, regularly screen their risk for diabetes. If detected early, timeous and effective treatment can make a world of difference to the health of the person involved.

You should be tested if you:
 Are overweight
 Have close relatives with the disease
 Have high blood pressure
 Have high cholesterol levels
 Have polycystic ovary syndrome.

World Diabetes Day
Every year on 14 November the world celebrates World Diabetes Day to raise awareness about the disease and how to prevent and correctly manage it. This year the theme of the campaign is "Let's take control of diabetes. Now".

Having diabetes does not mean the end of a normal, healthy life. People should take the necessary steps towards preventing it, however, if you already have it, then learning how to correctly manage it will enable you to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

For any GEMS member queries, please contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:
World Diabetes Day - www.worlddiabetesday.org
World Health Organisation - www.who.in
Diabetes South Africa - www.diabetessa.co.za