Diabetes
Prepared by
Liana Khazendar Health
education specialist,
Al Noor Hospital, Al Ain
What is diabetes?
The body consists of millions of
cells that need energy to perform
its functions. So, the food we eat
transforms into the sugar known
as glucose, which transmits into
the cells through the bloodstream,
knowing that glucose is one of the
elements that cells need to produce
energy. For glucose to transmit into
the blood two prerequisites must
be available. First, there should
be a sufficient number of ‘door’ to
receive glucose on the surface of the
cells, and they are called receptors.
Second, insulin that is necessary
for opening such receptors should
be available. Upon the availability
of these two prerequisites, glucose
enters into the cells and the cell uses
it in producing energy. For, without
energy all the cells die.
Indeed, insulin is a chemical
hormone produced by the pancreas,
and its levels in blood vary according
to the amount of glucose in blood.
So, diabetes makes it difficult for the
body cells to get sufficient amounts
of glucose in two ways. First, when it
the pancreas does not produces the
insulin hormone that is necessary
for opening the doors of receptors,
and then it becomes impossible for
glucose to enter into the cells, and
in turn the level of glucose in blood
rises, resulting in the first type of
diabetes. As for the second type,
it occurs, despite the existence of
sufficient amounts of insulin, due
to the decrease in the number of
receptors that allow glucose to
enter into the cells. For, despite
the sufficient amounts of insulin,
the body does not effectively
benefit from it, and this case is
called ‘insult resistance’, and
which leads to the rise in glucose
levels in blood.
Indeed, the second type is more
common than the first.
So, diabetes is the disease under
which the levels of blood sugar
become soaring, knowing that
sugar blood is produced from
the food we eat. As for insulin,
it is the hormone that assist
glucose to enter into blood cells
to provide it with energy. Thus,
in case of type 1 of diabetes, the
body does not produce insulin,
while in type 2, which is more
prevalent, the body does not
secrete insulin, while in type 2,
the body neither produces insulin
nor uses it properly, knowing that
without a sufficient amount of
insulin, glucose remains in blood.
Over time, the presence of much
sugar in blood leads to serious
problems that can harm the
eyes, the kidney and the nerves.
Diabetes may even lead to heart
diseases and strokes, and even
to complications that necessitate
amputation of a body limb.
Besides, pregnant women may
get diabetes, which in this case is
called ‘gestational diabetes’.
Increase or decrease in
blood sugar
Sugar levels in blood may
substantially increase or severely
decrease in the body of a diabetic
person within the context of their
attempt to control these levels.
Therefore, diabetics should
earnestly pay attention to each
of increase or decrease in their
blood sugar. Luckily, they can
regain control of their blood
glucose levels afterwards.
Highbloodglucose(hyperglycemia)
symptoms include the following:
•
Dry mouth
•
Increased thirst
•
Frequent urination
•
Blurred vision
•
Fatigue or dizziness
•
Weight loss
So, when blood glucose level rises
in the body of a diabetic person,
s/he should drink water or sugar-
free liquids, (regularly) measure
their blood sugar level, and adhere
to a diet assigned for them. Then,
if blood sugar level does not
decrease, they should contact a
doctor, who would inform them
of the blood glucose level that
would be considered as high
for them. However, if a person’s
is suffering a substantially high
blood glucose level, they may
have to go to hospital.
Low blood glucose
(hypoglycemia)
symptoms include the
fo l l owi ng :
• Sweating, trembling and
i r r i tabi l i ty
• Hunger, dizziness and passing
out
• Pounding heart (racing pulse),
personality change, confusion,
restlessness, weird behavior
• Numbness in mouth and tongue,
headache, and blurred vision
If low blood glucose is not
medically treated, it may lead
to coma or to convulsions or
nervous spasms
Treatment for diabetes
Treatment for and management
of diabetes varies from one
diabetic to another, knowing that
the physician make appropriate
decisions on best treatment for
each individual patient.
As the bodies of type 1 diabetics
do not produce insulin, they
should apply some modifications
to their diet, and they should also
be treated with insulin. They may
have to take several insulin shots
per day.
However, type 2 diabetics may
not need insulin, since their
blood glucose level may be
controlled through following a
healthy diet and exercise, though
some medicines may at times
be prescribed for them, and they
may need insulin in some cases.
The success of diabetes
treatment depends on the
diabetics themselves to a great
extent. For, when they learn how
to control their blood glucose
levels and already do so, they will
enjoy a more healthy life.
Diabetes control
A diabetic can control their
blood glucose level through the
following:
1.
Eating appropriate foods
2.
Exercise
3.
Monitoring blood glucose
l eve l
4.
Strictly taking prescribed
med i ca t i ons
5.
Accessing
information
related
to
diabetes
The specialist shall offer health
education, which the diabetes
doctor shall explain the ways to
organize meals for diabetics to
patients or to their families, and
shall answer any questions they
might ask.
A healthy diet may involve
changing the cuisine one
consumes, its amounts and the
number of daily meals. One will
be surprised to note the diversity
of health foods and how much
delicious is it.
Exercise also helps diabetics
to a great extent, as it reduces
blood glucose levels, reduces
body weight, and maintains heart
health and blood circulation,
as well as mitigates stress and
strengthens muscles.
Measuring the level of blood
glucose
is
important
in
determining whether or not it
normal. So, when it is abnormally
high or low, one should change
the medications they take, the
dietary system they follow, or
the exercise they practice. Yet,
when one needs to change any
of these things, the doctor or
health teams providing medical
care for a diabetic shall give them
appropriate instructions about
what to be done.
This page has been prepared
in cooperation with the
medical Al Noor Hospitals
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