A typical day

It's been a long, stressful day. You had to sit at your computer all day, working on that proposal (thank God it's finally done). As usual, breakfast was a hastily downed can of soft drink and your favorite cookies. Lunch was a steady supply of doughnuts, a big bag of popcorn, and more soft drinks as you worked. "I need to change my diet", you think to yourself for the umpteenth time. But then, it's just a fleeing thought as you move on to the next project. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate or you may soon have an unwanted visitor ... Diabetes.

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Who is at risk of developing diabetes?

Do you know that 1 in 2 people living with diabetes is undiagnosed and therefore at risk of complications and even death? Are you aware that over 50% of type two diabetes can be prevented? When it comes to diabetes, ignorance, is no defence. It is one of the leading causes of death. November is "Diabetes Awareness Month" with the theme - "Diabetes: Protect your family". This is because it doesn't just affect a single individual. It also affects family members either directly or through the burden of care it imposes on them.  How much do you really know about this killer diseases and how to prevent or live healthy with it? Factors that can increase the risk of developing it include:

• older age
• obesity
• leading a sedentary lifestyle
• family history - parent or sibling
• race - Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans, etc
• previous gestational diabetes

How can one reduce the risk?

It is possible to prevent or reduce one's risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the following ways:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Engage in moderate physical activity, about 30 minutes every day
• Maintain a healthy weight (watch that tummy fat!)
• Regular health checks

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How can one live healthily with diabetes?

A diagnosis of diabetes may be daunting. However, there are various ways of maintaining a normal life, regardless. These include:

• Optimum blood sugar control - healthy diet, physical activity, compliance with diabetes medications
• Adequate blood pressure control
• Good cholesterol control
• Regular screening for complications - feet, eyes, kidneys, eyes

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What can go wrong when someone has poorly managed diabetes?

When a diabetic person does not have good blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol control, it can lead to complications affecting different parts of the body such as:

• Eye - Diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma
• Kidney - kidney failure
• Heart: heart attack
• Leg: ulcers that are difficult to manage, often resulting in amputation
• Brain: stroke
• DEATH!!!

Diabetes may be a stealthy monster. But don't let it get the better of you. Take charge of your life today!

#WDD #WorldDiabetesMonth