Diabetes: Find out about it and act now

MANILA, Philippines - It goes without saying that diabetes is difficult. Currently, six million Filipinos have diabetes and there is an increasing number who exhibit pre-diabetes symptoms but are either unaware of it or are in denial. 

Globally, diabetes affects more than 300 million people. The disease imposes life-long demands on diabetics and their families, who have to make a multitude of decisions related to managing the illness. 

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels. It is associated with long-term damage and failure of organ functions, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally across all ages, it is estimated that at least one in 20 deaths is attributable to diabetes, and in adults aged 35 to 64, the proportion is at least one in 10 deaths. 

If the current trend continues, it is estimated that by 2030 the number of people with diabetes will more than double. Most of this increase will be due to a 150 percent rise in developing countries, where the greatest burden will fall on men and women in their economically productive years. Because of its long-term complications, diabetes is an extremely costly disease. 

To help draw attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keep diabetes firmly in the public spotlight, the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and its over 200 member associations celebrated World Diabetes Day (WDD) last Nov. 14 in more than 160 countries and territories.   

The WDD was created 19 years ago by the IDF and the WHO in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. 

The WDD became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of UN Resolution 61/225. 2010 saw the second of a five-year campaign that would address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programs. 

With support from global healthcare leader Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Diabetes Philippines recently held a press conference in celebration of World Diabetes Day. 

Dubbed “Let’s Take Control of Diabetes. Now.,” the affair aims to ensure maximum exposure for the campaign and promotion of the political will that will be required to improve diabetes care and prevention worldwide. 

The press conference was attended by endocrinologist Dr. Cecilia Jimeno from San Juan de Dios Hospital and diabetologist Dr. Richard Elwyn Fer­nando from St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Without diabetes education, people with diabetes are less prepared to take informed decisions, make behavioral changes, address the psychosocial issues presented by diabetes and, ultimately, may be ill-equipped to manage their diabetes effectively. Poor management will result in reduced health outcomes and an increased likelihood of developing complications.

Crucial to understanding diabetes is to know the warning signs, which include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, tiredness, lack of interest and concentration, vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu), a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet, blurred vision, frequent infections and slow-healing wounds. If you show these signs, seek immediate medical attention.

Among the risk factors for diabetes are obesity and overweight, lack of exercise, previously identified glucose intolerance, unhealthy diet, increased age, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes and ethnicity, with Asians, Hispanics, indigenous peoples (United States, Canada, Australia) and African-Americans reporting higher rates of diabetes.

There are a number of medications available to control diabetes and help make life easier for patients. However, fear of adverse reactions to medicine like weight gain and hypoglycemia is a contributing factor to the poor control of diabetes. 

Therefore, in order to avoid complications and increase patient compliance, there is a need to standardize management practices that involve early pharmacological treatment without the burden of side effects.

Hypoglycemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose drops below normal levels. It can happen suddenly, usually mildly and can be treated quickly and easily by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food. 

If left untreated, hypoglycemia can get worse and cause confusion, clumsiness or fainting. Severe hypogly­cemia can lead to seizures, coma and even death.

Among the symptoms of hypogly­cemia include hunger, shakiness, nervousness, sweating, dizziness or light-headedness, sleepiness, confusion, difficulty speaking, anxiety and weakness. 

It can also happen during sleep and the symptoms include crying out or having nightmares, finding pyjamas or sheets damp from perspiration and feeling tired, irritable or confused after waking up.

Promoting greater awareness of the risk factors for diabetes and encouraging best-practice sharing in diabetes prevention are the keys to fighting this deadly disease.