The fact that diabetes and hypertension are such a complex issue
Based on the World Health Organization, a couple of decades ago, diabetes was a rare disease that was prevalent in both developed and developing nations. Nowadays, the situation is quite different. The current estimate is that more than 143 million people around the world suffer from the disease. The number is constantly growing in 2020. By 2020, over 220million people are predicted to be suffering from diabetes should the current trend continue.
The United States alone, there are 18.2 million people (6.3 percent of the total population) suffering from diabetes. In addition, 13 million people have been diagnosed with the disease. However, 5.2milion (or nearly one third) are unaware they suffer from the disease.
The number for Nigeria isn’t readily accessible, but estimates suggest that more than 1.5million people suffer from the disease in Nigeria.
In developed countries, the majority of people suffering from diabetes are over sixty. In developing countries, diabetes has been diagnosed in people at their peak.
What is DIABETES?
Diabetes Mellitus (or simply diabetes) is originated from the Greek term ‘Diabeinein’ which means ‘To traverse’, which refers to a lot of urine, and Mellitus comes from the Latin word meaning’sweetened using honey’. Both words represent sweetened urine, or sugar that is present in urine.
The disease of diabetes is one where the body is unable to make or properly utilize Insulin. Insulin is a hormonal substance that is required, within the body, in order to regulate the rate at which sugars as well as starch and other foods transform into glucose needed to provide energy for the daily demands of life. The hormone is made and released
In the blood, insulin is released through an organ called the “Pancreas’. This insulin assists in keeping the blood glucose levels within the normal range. It is believed that the World Health Organization (WHO) places this normal range at
60-100 mg/dl (Before eating any food during the day, this is referred to as the Fasting Blood Glucose). In the health setting, despite numerous requirements for glucose in various situations, blood glucose levels rarely exceed the threshold of.
After eating, your liver store the sugar accumulated from the meal as glycogen . It then releases it into blood during the interval between meals. The main function of insulin is to regulate the amount of the storage and release of glucose. It makes sure that the amount of glucose present in blood at any particular moment is not in excess or below the normal range.
Different types of DIABETES.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO) five types of diabetes are recognised These are: Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type I Diabetes and Type I Diabetes, Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type II Diabetes Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes Insipidus and Bronze Diabetes.
INSULIN DEPENDENT/TYPE 1 DIABETES This form of diabetes was originally referred to as Juvenile Occurrence Diabetes because it affects young adults. It is caused by a sudden inability of the pancreas to make insulin. It’s an acute condition, manifesting with thirst and polyuria (passing an excessive amount of urine) diuresis, weight loss. The type I form of diabetes isn’t widespread, and it is responsible for less than 10 percent of all cases of diabetes.
Non-INSULIN DEPENDENTType II DIABETES The most common type of diabetesand accounts for over 80percent of diabetic cases. It’s seen in both seniors and adults. This kind of diabetes is developed slowly over a prolonged amount of time (unnoticed) it is defined by a lack of insulin levels, insufficient insulin levels in the blood , or the inability to use the insulin receptor (Insulin resistance). Due to its gradual and slow onset the condition is often not recognized until one or more long-term effects become evident.
Contrary to Type I Diabetes, the Insulin in the blood of the Type II diabetic may be normal or even higher however, it does not have the desired effect because of insulin resistance which is common among overweight people.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES: This kind of diabetes is common in the early stages of pregnancy and is gone after delivery, in 3 weeks. A little over three percent of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetics and nearly 50% of patients are susceptible to developing permanent diabetes later on in the course of their lives.
What causes DIABETES.
In the case of hypertension as well as other diseases that are not communicable there isn’t a clear-cut cause(s) can be linked to the most common form of diabetic (Type II Diabetes with Type I diabetes is due to the failure to function of pancreas). Certain factors have been identified to increase the likelihood of becoming diabetic , and these are known as risk factors. For instance, indolent and well-fed individuals are two 20 times more likely to develop type II diabetes than an healthy and lean populations with the same race. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease include:
Obesity: It’s believed that three quarters ( 3/4 ) of all Type II diabetes patient are overweight. Affluent and excessive lifestyles are likely to be a factor in this. It is thought that losing 10kg of weight could reduce the blood sugar levels by about 50mg/dl. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise is known to improve the sensitivity of insulin.
The International measurement of overweight and obese is built upon a figure known as BODY MASS INDEX (BMI). The value is determined by dividing body mass (in Kilograms) by the square of the height (in meters).
i.e. BMI = Body mass (Kg) (Kg) / the height of (Metres).
Note: 1ft = 0.305metres.
In adults, BMI of less than 25kg/m2 is recommended.
Between 25 and 29kg/m2 is deemed overweight, and anything over 30kg/m2 is Obesity.
Family history An ancestor’s history of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing the disease. In such a scenario maintaining a healthy life style and monitoring your blood sugar level is extremely important.
Age and race: Most Type II diabetes patient are over 40 at the time of diagnosis in the course of their disease. The proportion of an increase in the risk of the disease with the advancing years is greater for people with an ancestral background of diabetes, who are obese and likely those with lives of sedentary living. Furthermore, diabetes tends be more common in Africans, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. A membership in any of the races can be an indicator of risk.
The history of GESTATIONAL diabetes: a woman, it increases the likelihood of developing diabetes that will last for a long time in the course of her life.
It is possible to delay or prevent the development of diabetes!
There is no cure for diabetes that lasts forever. after it is diagnosed It is controlled throughout the course of. However, you can avoid getting into this suffering. If diabetes is present in people typically, it’s preceded by an event known as PREDIABETES. A situation in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, however not enough to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes. However, it is saddening to realize that it is difficult to determine if you fall in this category if you are not checking your blood glucose frequently.
Pre Diabetes is a severe medical issue, however it can be treated by making adjustments to your eating habits and physical exercise. To assess the blood sugar level of a person, an test known as Fasting Blood Glucose must be carried out. This test determines how much sugar (sugar) in blood prior to taking any food during the day. The test is conducted in milligrams of deciliter (mg/dl).
A level of 100mg/dl or less is usually considered normal. However, a number higher than 100mg/dl, but below 120mg/dl isn’t yet full-blown diabetes, and it’s considered Pre diabetes. Anyone who has a pre-diabetes blood glucose level must make immediate steps to reduce his blood sugar or be at risk for permanent diabetes.
It is imperative to emphasize however that genetic and racial influences that contribute to the development of diabetes are uncontrollable and beyond our comprehension. It is common sense that we should limit all factors that can be controlled by humans to the possible. A majority of these variables involve eating habits and social occupations.
These tips will help you to reduce the risk of diabetes
Reduce weight. Obesity appears to be the primary cause of the development of diabetes. Reduced body weight and fat and maintaining a healthy body weight is vital. In order to achieve this, the body mass index (BMI) lower than 25kg/m2 in males and less than 24kg/m2 for women is suggested.
Increase physical activity. It’s a known fact it is that diabetics are more prevalent for those who live an active, sedentary lifestyle. Simple and dynamic exercises, such as walking for 30-50 mins every day or 3-5 times per week has been proven to be highly beneficial. Exercise can reduce body weight and fat and improves the function in the heart. It also decreases the chance of developing diabetes and boosts mood and promotes healthy living.
* Reduce or eliminate alcohol. Consumption of alcohol that is more than 2 units per day has been found to negatively affect the body. The fact that alcohol is an addictive drug , it is very difficult to sustain a specific quantity of consumption for an extended period of duration. It is recommended to work towards eliminating the alcohol completely.
• Avoid smoking. Cigarette smoke has been found to be a source of poisonous substances. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol have been linked to numerous illnesses. Quitting smoking can definitely lower the risk of developing other illnesses, apart from diabetes.
* Maintain a healthy diet for example:
Reduce your intake of junk food and fatty foods.
* Consume more poultry and fish (without the skin as it is better).
* Garlic lowers cholesterol in blood pressure; add it to your diet plan every once in awhile.
Cut down the amount of eggs you eat up to three to four eggs per week (better boiling than frying).
Reduce your salt intake to less that 5.8grams per day.
Eat more fiber-rich foods and vegetables including fruit.
Also, be sure to monitor your blood sugar level at the time of your fast because it is your only chance of knowing whether you’re in trouble.
CONCLUSION
The fact that diabetes and hypertension are such a complex issue requires a comprehensive program of treatment that is based on the way one eats, their environmental and social aspects. A variety of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, keeping an appropriate body weight, reducing calories and a high-fiber diets all aid in living an active and healthy lifestyle. These steps are believed to improve the sensitivity of insulin and reduce blood pressure.
In conclusion, it is crucial to build a healthy and well-being conscious general population. People who believe that it’s better and more affordable to prevent disease than treat it once it has grown more severe. Additionally, preventive health cannot be separated from regular medical examinations since they go hand-in-hand. It is impossible to recognize a number of non-communicable diseases without regular medical check-ups. The significance of these exams can’t be overemphasized.