The diabetes epidemic

With more people becoming overweight, more and more people are being diagnosed with diabetes.

Netcare Olivedale Hospital dieticians Christa Dunn and Ezette Oosthuizen outlined two types of diabetes.

”Type 2 diabetes concerns your lifestyle. Traditionally people older than 40 were diagnosed with this, but nowadays younger people are at risk, even children,” Dunn said.

Oosthuizen explained, “Type 1 diabetes often occurs in younger people and it is trauma-related – the diagnosis could be the consequence of a big happening. It is also genetic.”

Medication for diabetes such as insulin is recommended for Type 1 diabetics, and for Type 2, lifestyle changes are crucial.

Dunn added that people should live a more balanced lifestyle and should exercise regularly. She said, “It is not a matter of completely cutting out sugar. You need to eat more regularly and healthier as well. Weight loss is important in the prevention of diabetes.”

Oosthuizen named a few symptoms. “If you urinate more often than normal, or you are more thirsty and you have blurred vision you need to have it checked out. Sudden weight loss without a reason should also alert you. People need to pay attention to cuts and wounds on their hands and feet. In the long term, eye care is very important because diabetes affects your eyes,” she said.

Men with a waist of 102cm and women with a waist of 88cm may be at risk.

“Your diet should include wholegrain starch, low GI, low fat products and fruit and vegetables. Stay away from processed food. Small, regular meals are the key. And lots of exercise,” Oosthuizen emphasised.