A medical expert has advised people to watch their life style, genetic history and go for regular check ups to avoid the risks of diabetes. This is coming as the World marks every November 14th as World Diabetes Day.
The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.
It is with the theme, ‘access to diabetes education.
According to experts, Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is also a leading cause of blindness,amputation, heart disease and kidney disease. Diabetes if not properly managed, can trigger other health crises which can lead to death.
Interacting with a consultant physician, an endocrinologist, Federal medical centre Umuahia, Dr Ezeani Ignatius said the essence of the day is to help improve the lives of people living with diabetes and increase Diabetes education.
Dr Ezeani, who is the head of Department of internal medicine FMC, while stating that Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, mentioned symptoms of Diabetes to include partial lack of insulin which causes excessive urination, excessive intake of water and weakness, blurring of Vision, numbness of feet and unexplained weight loss.
Dr Ezeani also listed some risk factors of Diabetes to include overweight, insulin resistance, family history, genetic mutations among other things.
Dr. Ezeani has mentioned some of the risk factors which could lead to the Onset of Diabetes: “Hormonal Predispositions, People with Cosciene Syndrome, Cortisol, Hypertyroxin, Insulin resistance, genetic Mutilation, Family History, Amongst others”.
He also stated some Symptoms of Diabetes which include: “Partial lack of insulin, Weakness of the body, blurring of Vision, Normness of the feet and Unexplainable weight loss”.
Dr Ezeani who is also the state Chairman Diabetes association of Nigeria, Abia state chapter mentioned some drugs that can increase the chances of acquiring diabetes. They are drugs used in treating Seizure/Epilepsy, HIV, Pneumonia, Arthritis Arthritis, Asthma and Cholesterol could increase the chances for the development of Diabetes.
He therefore advised people to avoid heavily processed carbohydrates like white bread, cakes, crackers, supergehtti as they increase the risk of Type two diabetes.
The medical expert further admonished people to reduce the intake of Carbohydrates, saying that water is the best substitute for any drink.
While stating that Diabetes is not a death sentence, but advised people to eat healthy and engage in regular exercise.
The world health organisation states that by year 2045, approximately 629 million adults will have diabetes and therefore, it is advisable for people to take care of their health today to avoid the risks of Diabetes.
