DIABETES is an overwhelmingly rehashed topic where almost everyone knows of the disease, how to test and sometimes the medications that are used. However, in spite of all the established knowns, there are many delinquent diabetics whose quality of life is severely impaired from poor daily choices. Maybe if we quit sugar-coating the repercussions, we may see a better outcome and not the disabling consequences.

The repercussions of uncontrolled diabetes are kidney failure, vision impairment, cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke), nerve pains, sexual dysfunction and loss of limbs. These self-imposed disabilities limit the delinquent diabetic’s potential to be competitive in whatever talent, area of work or career he/she may choose. Not only is the person shortening his/her productive years but sometimes imposing constraints on family members, who are left with the unwarranted responsibility to care for him/her.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, it is estimated that over 460 million persons worldwide are diabetic, with a projected increase of 100 million by 2030. Diabetes is prevalent in poorer countries and directly linked to diet and lifestyle choices. 50 percent of the diabetic population is yet to be diagnosed; that means that you may be a candidate but in denial or totally oblivious to the fact. However from the established diabetic population, 75 percent is from the productive age group; only 1 in 6 diabetics is over 65 years old.

Prediabetes is showing up in teenagers and adolescent, 18 percent and 24 percent respectively mostly as a result from poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles and is evident in the prevalence of obesity. The normal BMI (body mass index) of an adolescent and adult is only obtained in 61 percent of the world population since 39 percent is obese.

Individualised meal planning to match your physical activity level is recommended and a calorie guidance can be ascertained from the USDA website, which varies according to age and sex. Generally a balanced meal includes a generous amount of vegetables, fruits, protein and whole grain with the apex of the food pyramid being low sugar and good fats.

Poor diet and lack of exercise are not the only causative factors for diabetes but are the ones within persons’ control. Their genetic makeup, age and heritage are other factors that they must accept and come to terms with. Very rarely, due to genetic traits, babies are born with diabetes (neonatal diabetes), which is resolved at about 12 month but may resurface later in life. Then there is Type 1 diabetes, usually showing up in children (juvenile diabetes), which is a lifelong condition that is managed with insulin injections. Yet there are other factors due to different situations in life such as some expectant mothers may develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) and drug-induced diabetes which could be reversed if the causative drug is withdrawn, but this may not be possible in all the cases.

The most prevalent type of diabetes is Type 2, often seen in the productive urban population and formerly referred to as “adult onset”. Today it is evident at an earlier age so teens and young adults are affected and not only the elderly. It is characterised by high blood glucose, insulin resistance and also lack of insulin. Other pre-existing conditions or metabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and obesity are predictors of diabetes.

At least 10 percent of health budgets cater for diabetics both directly (oral medications and insulin) and indirectly (opportunistic infections and end organ damages). Insulin, discovered over 100 years ago, may still be inaccessible across the board due to its prohibitive cost.

So not sugar-coating the effects of uncontrolled diabetes and envisioning the reality of the end organ damages, may enhance compliance to treatment and nudge the right choices. The consequences of kidney failure put pressure on supporting relatives financially and physically since it is costly and inconvenient. The rippled effect on family members or the caregiver can be demanding since it requires frequent clinic visits. If severe it can become life threatening to the diabetic. Likewise they may render themselves vision impaired, where they would now become fully dependent on others for every transaction from their bank business to preparing a meal. Why would someone want to put themselves at such a disadvantage by depending on others for self-sustenance? A very big concern especially for the male population is sexual dysfunction. A myth in Guyana is that the diabetic medications cause erectile dysfunction; a propagated rumor. Hence the delinquent diabetic may truly incapacitate his manhood because of this “fake news” since it is the complete opposite. It is when they don’t take their diabetic meds that make them sexually dysfunctional. For those persons who experience nerve pain in their extremities, it can become annoying and certainly affect their quality of life since it may cause them to opt out of fun or pleasurable activities. Hence they rob themselves of all that life has to offer by restricting their invitations. The worse yet is when they have to lose a limb to save their life and live the rest of their life with a self-imposed disability.

Therefore, the goal for every diabetic case, irrespective of your name, fame or talent, is early detection, diagnosis, treatment for a positive lifelong health outcome. Every individual goal should include any physical activity of their liking, since they will not recognise the time spent on the activity. Usually 150 minutes per week of some form of physical aerobic activity is highly recommended. Permanent weight loss strategies must be continuously reconsidered for the desired result. Taking medications regularly and consistently and using either a pill box or timer will act as a reminder. Avoid Hypoglycemia by recognising it and always have a candy at hand. Check blood glucose routinely and pay attention to any abnormality in the feet and seek an early appointment with a healthcare professional if required. Manage stress especially if inclined to depression or anxiety. If the diabetic is a smoker get help to reduce or stop smoking.

For further discussions, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.