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By Dr. Delia
Diabetes is a disease which affects all walks of life. It is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. In 2013, according to International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 381 million people had diabetes. Its prevalence is increasing rapidly, and by 2030, this number is estimated to almost double. Diabetes is increasing in incidence in developing countries such as Guyana. The increase in incidence in developing countries follows the trend of urbanization and lifestyle changes, perhaps most importantly, a “Western-style” diet.
In diabetes, the body is not able to use glucose found in foods. This causes blood sugar levels in the body to be above normal. To understand what this is about you need to know the role insulin plays in your body. Insulin enables the body to use glucose found in foods.
There are two types of diabetes , type 1 and type 2. When insulin produced in the body is inadequate, this is type 1(juvenile onset).This type commonly affects children and young adults, but it can occur with any age. When the body cells do not respond properly to insulin, this is type 2. This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight, and have a family history of diabetes, although today it is increasingly occurring in younger people, particularly adolescents.
How do you know if you have diabetes? You may experience these signs and symptoms: feeling very thirsty, frequent urination, weight loss, increased hunger, blurry vision, irritability, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, frequent skin, bladder or gum infections, wounds that don’t heal, extreme unexplained fatigue.
In some cases, especially in type 2 diabetes, there are no symptoms. People can live for months or years without knowing they have this disease. The normal blood sugar reading for non -diabetics before a meal is 70 to 130 mg/dl. Their normal blood sugar reading 1-2 hours after the beginning of a meal is less than 180 mg/dl. However, the blood glucose target range for diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association, should be 5-7.2 mmol/l (90-130 mg/dL) before meals, and less than 10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) after meals (as measured by a blood glucose monitor).
Who can get this disease? Diabetes can affect anyone, but you are at increased risk if you have close relatives with this disease. Other risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diet also plays a role, especially with the wide assortment of junk foods available today. How are junk foods connected to diabetes? The easiest answer is that the consumption of excess sugars and fats in these foods can contribute to weight gain, and excess weight is associated with diabetes.
Complications of diabetes: these include nerve damage, kidney disease, hypertension, stroke, heart disease and comas.
Common emergencies in diabetics:
Hyperglycemia: this occurs when the blood sugar level is very high, and can result in a diabetic coma. The blood sugar level tops 600 (mg/dL), or 33.3 (mmol/L) Causes are skipping or forgetting to take your insulin or diabetic tablets, not sticking to a diabetic diet or overeating, infection, illness or increased stress.
If you or your loved ones experience the following symptoms and signs, they need to seek medical attention immediately. If you have a glucometer at home, check the blood sugar level so that you can give yourself or your loved one any missed medication if the result is above normal.
Weak and rapid pulse
Nausea, Deep sighing breaths, Unsteady walking, Confusion, Flushed, warm, dry skin, Odor of nail polish or sweet apple, Drowsiness, gradual loss of consciousness.
When you arrive at the emergency room, the doctors will give you insulin and IV fluids to improve your high blood sugar reading.
Hypoglycemia: this occurs when you don’t have enough glucose (sugar) in your body. Sugar levels can drop dangerously low without warning. (below 70 mg/dl).This is caused by overdosing on medication, taking your medication and not eating enough food, or by people with kidney problems. Extremely low blood sugar is the most common cause of diabetic coma.
You should take extra precautions if you have difficulty detecting symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Weakness, drowsiness, Rapid pulse, Fast breathing, Pale, sweaty skin, Headache, trembling, Odorless breath, Numbness in hands or feet, Hunger.
A quick remedy before arrival at the hospital would be to give this person something very sweet such as chocolate or sweet drink to increase the sugar level. If not treated this can progress to a coma, which can be deadly or cause brain damage.
The person will regain consciousness after their blood sugar level is normalized. If they still are in a coma after the blood sugar normalizes, this may be a sign of another emergency, such as a stroke, and as such you should still seek medical attention.
The above emergencies can be avoided by regularly checking your blood sugar levels. It is worthwhile to invest in a glucometer to use at home, so you will know when your blood sugar levels are high and you can use your medication if the reading is above normal.
This can also be done while on the way to the hospital in an emergency. It is also important to join and regularly attend a medical clinic or health centre in your area. You can record your daily blood sugar level readings in a book, so that your doctor can have an idea of how to tailor your medication if the readings are bad.
You also need to take your medication daily. Persons with diabetes need to keep close monitoring of their blood sugar levels and adhere to their prescribed regimen of treatment. This can help to avoid emergencies in diabetics and also prolong their life and avoid complications.
