Diabetes Mellitus is a lifelong condition which causes a rise in blood glucose levels, due to a problem with the hormone Insulin which normally moves glucose out of the blood stream and into the cells of the body, where it can be turned into energy. There are two types of Diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes- where the body does not produce insulin due to its immune system attacking the cells that produce it 
• Type 2 Diabetes- where the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced is not able to work properly 

Even though Diabetes is a non-communicable disease, the prevalence of diabetes is rising and Diabetes Mellitus is now considered a global pandemic. According to studies, approximately two-thirds of Africa’s population have been diagnosed with diabetes, or may have undiagnosed diabetes. 

Symptoms of Diabetes 

Early diagnosis of diabetes can prevent complications, which can include loss of vision, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and limb amputations, from arising. 

Look out for the following symptoms and consult a doctor before your symptoms get worse: 

• Excessive urination (peeing), often at night
• Increase thirst 
• Increase hunger
• Unexplained weight loss/weight gain
• Blurry vision
• Numbness or tingling on hands or feet
• Fatigue (or feeling tired)
• Very dry skin due to dehydration 
• Slow healing sores
• Getting more infections than usual

Note: People with type 1 diabetes may experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. And people with Type 2 diabetes may not notice any symptoms at all. 

How can Diabetes be treated?

Type 1 diabetes needs to be treated with insulin injections, as the body is unable to produce its own insulin 

Patients with advanced Type 2 Diabetes may also require insulin injections, however in most cases it can be treated with measures to reduce the body’s resistance to insulin, which can include medications and lifestyle measures. The lifestyle measures include:

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Regular exercise 
• Maintaining a healthy weight or weight loss
• Stopping smoking
• Keeping to healthy limits with alcohol consumption

If you have any questions, speak to a diabetic doctor for further information.