– Diabetes and youth

I AM writing this column as an informative piece for young people on diabetes mellitus, otherwise known as diabetes. Diabetes can occur when either someone’s pancreas does not make enough insulin or when a body’s cells become unresponsive to hormonal effects. You might be wondering why this targets younger people instead of older adults. Contrary to what some might think, diabetes does not only affect older adults. It can affect the young and “healthy”. Diabetes is a silent killer, and 442 million people have died because of it or complications as a result of it.

Firstly, if the older adults in your family have diabetes as a diagnosis, then you might be more prone to having diabetes. In most cases, diabetes is preventable. It is essential for you to get tested regularly to monitor your sugar or carbohydrate intake levels. Your family doctor should be able to assist you as well. Some common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination or slow healing cuts. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable. The body does not create enough insulin, which might be a genetic health condition. Type 1 diabetes is the type that usually starts in childhood.

Type 2 diabetes is also a genetic health condition that genes can pass down, but it can also be inherited through poor health or lifestyle conditions such as inactivity or obesity. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, and it’s where the body usually does not respond to insulin. Unlike Type 1, this can be developed during one’s Middle Ages. My advice to you is to be mindful and conscious of your health. You must always be mindful and think of what you eat, how you eat and when to eat it. You should also consider exercising regularly. When I say you, I also mean “me” because everyone should be more conscious about how their current health choices will affect their future.

Whenever I speak to people with diabetes, they also say the Guyanese term, “If me been know”. I don’t want to repeat that cycle of “if me been know”. I want to actively learn more about this specific health condition that has affected my family for generations. I want to do better and make better choices so my children and I have a healthier, more productive life. I hope you can also think of it in this way. Your choices regarding health affect not only you but also your family and everyone around you. If it is preventable, why not prevent it?

As important as physical health is—it all depends on your mental health. It takes much mental effort to make these lifestyle changes. You can always visit your nearest social worker for help and advice on building a cognitive capacity to withstand a lifestyle change. You can start slowly by cutting back on sweets, quitting smoking, eating a high-fibre diet, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. It starts with small yet meaningful changes. You can purchase whole wheat bread instead of white bread. You can start by reading the sugar content on your grocery labels and choosing the item with the lowest sugar level. You can start by walking up a flight of stairs instead of using the elevator. Whatever or however you choose to make slight changes, I want you to always remember that it is for the overall improved quality of life of your future self.