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Diabetes Awareness, Prevention & Control. By Nnawuihe Ugo. Nwosu Ph.D. (Candidate), MSc., MBA, CHES. What is Diabetes?. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose in the body rises above normal levels This results mainly from the inability of the body to make enough insulin
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Diabetes Awareness, Prevention & Control By Nnawuihe Ugo. Nwosu Ph.D. (Candidate), MSc., MBA, CHES.
What is Diabetes? • Diabetes occurs when blood glucose in the body rises above normal levels • This results mainly from the inability of the body to make enough insulin • Uncontrolled sugar which builds up in the body system has both acute and chronic consequences (Forth & Jude, 2010). • Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2018). • 65% of Diabetics die from heart-related disease or stroke (Caple & Schub, 2011).
Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes • Frequent urination (Polyuria) • Excessive thirst (Polydipsia) • Excessive eating (Polyphagia) • Unusual weight loss • Delayed wound healing • Blurry vision • Very dry skin • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet • Extreme fatigue and instability, and dehydration
Causes/Risk Factors of Diabetes Hereditary in families/Genetics Sedentary lifestyles resulting from physical inactivity Unhealthy food choices Gain in body weight or obesity Race Poverty Old age Environmental factors.
Long-Term Consequences of Diabetes • Retinopathy/Blindness (damage to the retina of the eyes) • Nephropathy (kidney failure, hypertension and vascular problems) • Neuropathy (nerve damage, impotence in men) • Delayed wound healing • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) • Foot disease e.g. foot ulcers and deformities • Stroke
What Diabetics Should Do • Avoid excessive alcohol • Avoid use of tobacco products • Actively managing serum lipids level • Receive regular vaccinations, e.g. flu vaccines to prevent influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia • Keep hypertension under control to reduce risk of atherosclerosis • Maintain strict and sustained dietary controls • Be active and exercise daily
What Diabetics Should Do, Contd. • Take medications regularly as prescribed • Keep medications supply with you at all times • Eat healthy and develop a meal plan • Check blood sugar daily or a number of times daily • Check blood pressure regularly • Check your weight regularly • Keep strict scheduling for regular medical checkup • Check cholesterol level regularly • Learn signs and symptoms of stroke
Recommended Diabetes Self-Care Activities • Learn to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar • Learn to recognize symptoms of high blood sugar • Be able to read food labels and do food exchanges • Participate in supervised exercise programs • Report all injuries, cuts, and blisters promptly • Avoid constricting shoes • Make healthier food choices • Know how to monitor and maintain healthier weights • Wear socks, slippers and do not walk barefoot
Recommended Diabetes Self-Care Activities, Contd. • Check for weak pulses and pains • Regularly apply petroleum jelly to the hips and emollient lotion to the skin to reduce dryness • Ensure adequate fluid intake and learn to recognize signs of severe dehydration • Take bed time snacks before retiring if you need it • Carry a medical identification tag with you always
ALWAYS REMEMBER DIABETES IS A SELF-CARE AILMENT. ONLY YOU CAN TAKE ADEQUATE CARE OF YOURSELF!!
References Caple C., & Schub T. (2011).Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2: Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence- Based Care Sheet. Cinahi Information Systems, Glendale, CA. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2018). Leading Causes of Death. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm Forth, R., & Jude, E. (2011).Diabetes: Complications, Prevention and Treatment. British Journal of Healthcare Management,17 (1), 30-34.