A significant number of residents of Anguilla are living with Diabetes Mellitus also just known as Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, although a growing number of children and young adults are getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis and good management of diabetes can significantly prevent and decrease complications, but unfortunately many individuals living in Anguilla do not know that they might be affected by diabetes mellitus.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is defined as “a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from either the deficiency in insulin secretion or the action of insulin.” The poorly controlled diabetes mellitus can lead to the damage various organs, especially the eyes, kidney, nerves, and cardiovascular system. Diabetes mellitus can be of three major types, based on etiology and clinical features. These are type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, there is absolute insulin deficiency due to the destruction of ? cells in the pancreas by a cellular mediated autoimmune process. In type 2 diabetes, there is insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Gestational diabetes is any degree of glucose intolerance that is recognised during pregnancy.
What causes Type 2 diabetes?
Several factors are involved in causing type 2 diabetes. The cause of type 2 diabetes is complex and is associated with irreversible risk factors such as age, genetic, race, and ethnicity and reversible factors such as diet, physical activity and smoking.
There is no doubt that genetics play a role. Some studies have shown that your risk of getting type 2 diabetes might be increased by 50 percent if both of your parents have diabetes, but there might be a combination of factors involved including environmental factors. Lack of exercise and whether you are overweight are also important factors. The risk for developing diabetes also increases in certain racial and ethnic groups, including people of Caribbean descent. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can significantly reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes and diet
Several studies have shown that dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle are the major factors for rapidly rising incidence of diabetes mellitus among developing countries. The foods you eat can make a difference in the development of diabetes. Sugar-filled foods and foods with no nutritional value can raise the risk for diabetes. Such foods include things like cakes, candies, cookies, sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks and sweetened coffee drinks.
Repeated consumption of these types of foods can raise your insulin levels and eventually cause your body’s cells to lose sensitivity to insulin. This can raise your blood sugar levels and eventually lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Several studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be controlled through improvement in patient’s dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices. It should be pointed out that a diabetic’s dietary practices are mainly influenced by cultural backgrounds.
Diabetes and weight
If you are overweight or obese, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. That is because you have high amounts of fat tissue, which can cause insulin resistance and lead to type 2 diabetes. The more overweight you are, the more resistant your body is to insulin. In particular, excess fat in your belly — also called visceral fat — can markedly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. One tip to keep in mind: A waist circumference of more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men can increase your chance of developing diabetes.
To figure out if you are overweight, talk to your doctor. A healthy, low-fat diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight gradually and keep it off.
Diabetes and types of foods
All individuals should receive information about what foods they can eat and avoid, from their healthcare provider, dietitian or nutritionist. The following might prove helpful:
? Eat plenty of vegetables
? Have sufficient fibre in your diet
? Cut down on sugar
? Cut down on processed meat
? Eat fish regularly
? Cut down on energy dense, processed food – such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and pastries
? Cut down on alcohol
? Cut down on salty processed foods
If you have type 2 diabetes you might be advised to develop a diabetic diet. A diabetic diet simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. A diabetic diet is a healthy-eating plan that is naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key elements are fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, a diabetic diet is the best eating plan for most everyone.
Diabetes treatment
If you have type 2 diabetes the single most important thing you can do is control your blood sugar level. You can do this by eating right, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and, if needed, taking oral medicines or insulin. If you have any concerns talk to your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus is a very common medical disorder in Anguilla. Several studies have shown that diet and sedentary lifestyles play a major role in the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating and regular exercise, along with other factors, are important in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. A dietitian can help you put together a diet based on your health goals, tastes and lifestyle. Embracing your healthy-eating plan is a good way to keep your blood glucose level under control and prevent diabetes complications. If you have diabetes, it is important that you partner with your doctor and dietitian to create an eating plan that works for you. Use healthy foods, portion control and scheduling regular visits with your doctor to manage your blood glucose level. This of paramount importance.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty eight years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
