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Are there different types of diabetes?
Yes, this is true. There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. In type 1 diabetes, there is no insulin in the bloodstream and a person diagnosed with this type becomes insulin-dependent and has to inject him or herself with insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, there is insulin in the bloodstream, but it is ineffective and the glucose cannot enter the cells, causing it to accumulate in the blood. There is also a third type, namely gestational diabetes, which sometimes affects pregnant women, especially if they have experienced significant weight gain. These symptoms often recede after the birth of the baby, but gestational diabetes is a warning that Type 11 diabetes could very well develop later. Women who have had gestational diabetes need to pay very careful attention to their diets and exercise routine in order to avoid diabetes later in life. |  | Are there support organisations?
Diabetes South Africa has nine branches and 93 support groups countrywide. | | Can diabetes be fatal?
In some cases, when someone is unaware of being diabetic and slips into a coma, or when poor circulation and high blood glucose levels wreak havoc with someone’s health, a heart attack, a stroke or gangrene can be the result. This can, however, mostly be prevented by close monitoring of blood glucose levels, and sticking to a prescribed diet and exercise programme, as well as taking the right medication can prevent this. | | Can diabetes cause blindness and amputations?
Yes, unfortunately it is. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people between 25 – 74. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease affecting the blood vessels in the retina (the back layer of the eye). Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can cause damage to small blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Damage to larger blood vessels causes poor circulation and can eventually result in a heart attack or stroke. The combination of nerve damage and poor circulation can place the feet and lower legs at risk of amputation. But the good news is that effective control of your blood glucose levels can go a long way towards preventing this. | | Do all diabetics get insulin injections?
No. Most diabetics have Type 2 diabetes, which can be controlled through exercise, diet, regular medical checkups and medication, if necessary. Only people with Type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent, but they are in the minority(10%). Regular blood glucose monitoring is recommended for all diabetics. | | Is diabetes hereditary?
Diabetes often runs in families. If one of your parents has diabetes, your chances of getting it immediately become significantly higher. Certain population groups are also more prone to this condition, as are people who are significantly overweight. But if you are diabetic, it is by no means certain that your children will also be diabetics. Just as they may not have inherited your curly hair or strong teeth, they may also have sidestepped the diabetes. Diabetes also seems to be closely linked to lifestyle, and in migrating populations, the incidence of diabetes takes on the pattern of the area to which people have moved. | | Is exercise important if I have diabetes?
The important thing is to have an exercise routine. This will also help to control your weight – an essential part of diabetes management. Doctors generally recommend aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, dancing or cycling, unless you have problems with your feet – a problem many diabetics experience. Swimming is often recommended as it places no strain on the feet. Any exercise which makes you breathe more deeply and which makes your heart work harder, is beneficial. It is important to check your blood sugar level before starting to exercise and to wait a while before starting if it is too low. | | Should I wear a Medic Alert bracelet?
The stainless steel Medic Alert bracelet should be worn by all people who are diabetic. This bracelet will alert medical staff to your condition if you are in an accident or go into a diabetic coma. Medic Alert operates 24 hours a day and can be contacted by medical personnel treating you. They will be given your medical history and the details of people who need to be contacted.
This bracelet can be obtained by phoning Medic Alert on (021) 461-7328 for the form or by filling in the form online. The web address is http://www.medicalert.co.za. The initial cost is R70 with an annual R30 subscription fee. If you are diabetic, do this today!
| | What are the warning signs of diabetes?
Constant thirst, and increased appetite, frequent urination and constant fatigue are warning signs of diabetes. Blurred vision, slow-to-heal cuts, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and recurring skin, mouth and bladder infections could all be signs that you have diabetes. | | What does blood sugar level mean?
Blood sugar level means the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is needed by the body as the basic energy fuel for all cells. | | What foods should I avoid?
Foods that have a high sugar or fat content, such as pastries, cakes, chocolates, chips, sweets and desserts should be avoided. If eaten at all, it should be in very small quantities. Stay away from oily sauces and high-fat dairy products. Low-fat proteins, wholewheat grains, fruit and vegetables, starches and low-fat dairy products are recommended. | | What is diabetes?
What is diabetes? This is a physical condition in which too much sugar accumulates in the bloodstream as a result of the body’s decreasing ability to produce insulin. This happens, because there is too little or nothing of the insulin hormone, produced by the pancreas, to allow the glucose to enter the cells of your body and give you the energy you need every day. This is a potentially very dangerous condition from which about 1,5 million South Africans suffer – half of them without knowing it. Most people suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which can largely be controlled by exercise and diet. | | What medicines are there for treating Type 2 diabetes?
There are three main types to help you maintain blood sugar control - the first helps the body release more insulin into your bloodstream. The second prevents the body from sending extra sugar after a meal into the bloodstream and the third helps to overcome insulin resistance by making your cells more sensitive to the effects of insulin. | | What sort of medication will I have to take?
Oral diabetes medication helps to control blood glucose levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes and who still produce some insulin. These drugs are usually prescribed along with recommendations to make certain dietary changes and to adhere to an exercise plan. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will have to inject yourself every day with insulin. See your doctor for more information in this regard. | | When should I measure my blood sugar levels?
One to two hours after a meal is the best time to measure your blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose levels are under control, once a week may be enough, but if not, consult with your doctor how often you need to test. | | Why did I get diabetes?
No, it is not something you have done. Most people who develop diabetes have a genetic predisposition to the disease. This is especially true for people develop Type 1 diabetes at a young age. Many others who develop Type 2 diabetes have a family history of the disease. The people in this group are usually over 40 and overweight. The weight does not cause the disease, but merely makes it more likely to surface. | | Will diabetes change my social or working life?
It shouldn’t change either of these two things. What you need to do is to become vigilant about your blood glucose levels and how certain foods and activities affect you. If you are careful and look after yourself, your working or social life need not change. You might have to reduce your drinking if you are used to having more than one drink a day. It is also important to get to bed at a regular hour, as a lack of sleep can wreak havoc with your insulin levels. | | Will I still be able to have children?
Women who have diabetes can have safe and healthy pregnancies. What is important is to do regular checking of blood glucose levels during pregnancy, in order to ensure that the baby is healthy. Healthy eating and moderate exercise are also essential. There is also a type of diabetes called gestational diabetes, which some pregnant women develop. In most cases the diabetes disappears once the baby is born. |
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