| The news that you have diabetes can be a
tough pill to swallow. Feelings of shock, anger,
frustration, fear and depression are all valid and
common to many who get this diagnosis. But,
it’s also important not to waste time wallowing
in your emotions. After all, you have your own
life to save! Follow this five-step, action plan to
get started living and managing your new life
as a diabetic. Step 1: Learn About Diabetes Absorb everything you can about the disease, so that you know what you’re dealing with. Find and consult with a doctor who can answer all of your questions. What kind of diabetes do you have? What put you at risk? Understand your blood glucose level, and what part insulin and/or medication will play in your life. What are the potential complications if you don’t manage the disease as instructed by your health care provider? Do your research and gain some intellectual power over this disease.
Step 3: Work Out Your Fitness Routine People with diabetes tend to be obese or overweight. So, part of your action plan must include exercise. More than likely, your doctor has advised you to lose weight. Your best bet? A workout routine that includes both strength training and cardiovascular exercise. After consulting your doctor, you may want to lace up your sneakers, join a gym or check into the YMCA/YWCA to get the help you need to get moving. If not, there are also plenty of ways to work out at home, too. Step 4: Take Your Meds Some people with type 2 diabetes must take diabetes pills or insulin shots to help their bodies use glucose for energy. The insulin is broken down during digestion just like the protein in food. Insulin does not come in the form of a pill. It must be injected into the fat under your skin for it to get into your blood. Step 5: Seek Support You may be able to handle diabetes alone, but it’s so much easier with support. Look to family members and friends who will be there to assist you with your new lifestyle changes. Find diabetes support groups and get involved with community events and fundraisers to increase awareness around the disease. SWEET NOTHINGS November 14 is World Diabetes Day and honours the birthday of Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922, along with Charles Best. Committed doctors and their teams will be busy this week as they try to *Conduct large scale screening for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes. *Call for lifestyle changes ie, increased physical activity and proper diet leading to weight reduction in overweight indiciduals. *Undertake massive public awareness programme on diabetes based on earlier findings. One in five Indians is currently at risk of Diabetes, according to a study. Statistic show that at present,37.50 million Indians have diabetes, (of a possible 180 million people all over the world) and this number is expected to swell to at least 87 million by 2000. “From being a disease of the rich,diabetes is now affecting people from all strata of society. Even young adults and children fall prey to this disease,’’ says Dr V.Mohan, co –founder of the Madras Diabetic Research Foundation. What is Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes is sometimes called Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes and is managed using injections or pumps. Type 2 Diabetes used to be called Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes and is managed by diet, exercise and sometimes medication and insulin. In a some, diabetes is not one disease as it manifests as an array of afflictions and debilitating conditions, if not managed early Vision, kidneys, limbs and several metabolic functions can be compromised due to diabetes. Diabetes is a polygenic disease leading to abnormal levels of glucose in the blood – polygenic means inheritable through several markers. Significantly, earlier this year, a citybased research team headed by Dr Radha Venkatesan at The Madras Diabetic Research Foundation, announced the identification of a genetic marker that indentification of a genetic marker that predisposes the local population to this disease. Generally stressed desk bound persons who are obese or with high blood pressure are vulnerable. Persons with a medical history of diabetes or women with apreviously adverse obstetric history are at risk. Symptoms of diabetes to watch for are changes like increased thirst or hunger, sudden weight loss, or persistent weakness and tiredness. Delayed wound healing is a red alert as is numbness in hands and feet or blurred vision. Excessive urination and itching in genitals could also need investigation. “The indirect cost of treating diabetes is high, because of long stays,abence from work etc.This greatly affects the Individual and the societ at large,’’ points out Dr.vijay A preferred method for wound healing. Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC), was recently introduced in India to help heal diabetic foot wounds. “VAC enables an early discharge from hospital,’’ says Dr.vijay. The ray of hope is that type 2 diabetes is widely preventable, thanks to medical research and facilities available to an increasing number of people. Situation in Tamil Nadu According to recent survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study, which collected data from 16,000 individuals from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Chandigarh, the total number of diabetics in the country is 62.4 million. While the prevelance of the disease inTamil Nadu is high (at 10.8%), the awareness levels in the State are high too, which is a good sign, Dr.Mohan Thanickachalam of Agada Healthcare talks to us about why South Indiana are prone to diabetes and how it can be tackled. Why are south Indians more prone to diabetes? The rice intake may be one of the reasons. White rice or the highly polished rice that is eaten is South India is a reason for diabetes as it is known to increase higher blood glucose levele. It draws out all the insulin in the body and the beta cells get exhausted. Lack of exercise is one of the other reasons. Genetic factors may also contribute. It has been proven that Indians have a unique gene that makes them more prone to diabetes. (Based on original research done by him at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohans Diabetes Centre) Given that awareness levels are high, how can diabetes be prevented? Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr.Mohan’s Diabetes Centre have been involved in initiatives to help prevent diabetes. The answer is increasing exercise and healthier eating habits. South Indians need to change their eating habits,they must reduce rice intake, eat more vegetables, salads, grams and pulses. Exercise must be done for at least 30 mins to 60 minutes. If the person can reduce weight by 5-7 % then diabetes can be prevented. Dr.Mohan has held more than 1,000 awareness camps with an average of 2,000 people attending. His project is called PACE (Prevention Awareness Counseling and Evaluation) diabetes project that teaches people about symptoms and treatments. He has noticed that awareness levels have increased dramatically after PACE NEED FOR AWARENESS Findings from a large and representative sample size of 26,001 in Chennai of individuals aged 20 plus revealed that 15.5% of the population was found to be affected by diabetes. Even more disheartening are the following. *25% (1/4the of the total study population) said that they had never heard about diabetes *Only 22% (two in ten) knew that condition is preventable *a mere 11.8% (one in ten people) attributed obesity and/ or physical inactivity as a cause The findings of the study demonstrated that awareness and control measures for diabetes are still grossly inadequate SAVING LIMBS *In diabetics wounds heal slowly. Several factors poor blood supply, neglect by patients and late presentation to specialists lead to complications. This sometimes costs a limb and often impacts the quality of life of many patients. *A new technology called The Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC), previously available in other nations as a preferred method for wound healing, was recently introduced in India by MV Hospital for Diabetes, Royapuram THE VACUUM ASSISTED CLOSURE (VAC) THERAPY *provides closed moist wound-healing environment . *Decreases wound volume . . *Decreases bacterial colonization . . |
