By Emmanuel Anakobe
Today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages medical personnel and health advocates to sensitise and enlighten the world, both patients and non-patients, about the physiological condition called diabetes. The PANS-BUK Editorial Health Team, a group of health advocates, is here to share with you a concise and comprehensive concept of diabetes.
For clarity’s sake, there are two forms of diabetes, which are diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. The latter is not related to blood sugar levels. The diabetes of concern in this context is diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes is a physiological condition that occurs when the body’s pancreas is not producing enough insulin or when the body cells are not responding properly to it. The function of insulin is to facilitate the uptake of glucose in the blood by the cells. Glucose is the source of energy for our body cells. Our body sources glucose (sugar) from the carbohydrates in our foods and drinks. The glucose is transported to the cells via the blood. Insulin facilitates its uptake in the cells by acting on the cells. When there is an inadequate amount of insulin or when the body cells are not responding to the action of insulin, glucose begins to build up in the blood and results in hyperglycaemia (diabetes).
It is a condition that has no gender or age limitation; it affects all genders and ages. The symptoms include increased thirst (polydipsia), blurred vision, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow healing of cuts or sores. It has the potential to cause complicated and life-threatening diseases or circumstances such as stroke, heart attack, neuropathy (nerve damage), skin infections, amputation, hearing loss, etc.
Diabetes is a chronic condition. It is managed by medication and adjustment of lifestyle, which involves controlled diets and drinks, as well as physical exercise. It is important to frequently know your blood glucose level every time you go for medical check-up. The normal range varies from 70 mg/dl to 100 mg/dl, while the abnormal range varies from 125 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl, and the harmful range varies from 250 mg/dl to 400 mg/dl and above. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing it from becoming severe.
When your blood glucose level is high or you are diabetic, don’t panic or despair. Carry the report to your medical personnel, and follow their instructions and advice to continue enjoying your life. Diabetes is not a death sentence nor a hurdle to life, dreams, and fulfilment. It is a condition that requires you to support your body physiology with the correct medications and sacrifice certain habits and pleasures due to a specific physiological disorder in the body.
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