Anguilla like many other countries will be using the 14th of November as World Diabetes day to focus on Diabetes Mellitus. There is no doubt that greater awareness of Diabetes is needed here in Anguilla, where the number of cases is increasing dramatically each year.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
Diabetes in Anguilla
The exact incidence of diabetes in Anguilla is not known, but there is evidence that the number of cases is increasing. The majority of cases are type 2 diabetes. Many individuals in Anguilla are not aware that they have diabetes mellitus; in some cases the individuals have few or little symptoms, while others tend to ignore their symptoms. I often see individuals who say they have “a little sugar” and tend to ignore it. Many persons in Anguilla are also not aware of the many complications of uncontrolled diabetes.
What are common consequences of diabetes?
Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, especially if you are not diagnosed or the diabetes is not controlled. The following complications are seen very frequently inAnguilla:
• Heart disease and stroke. 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke).
• Limb amputations
• Foot ulcers
• Diabetic retinopathy, leading to blindness
• Kidney failure. 10-20% of people with diabetes die of kidney failure.
• Diabetic neuropathy- this is damage to the nerves as a result of diabetes, and affects up to 50% of people with diabetes. Although many different problems can occur as a result of diabetic neuropathy, common symptoms are tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in the feet and hands.
What are the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus?
Individuals might have diabetes mellitus and have no symptoms at all. A blood test is the only sure way of knowing if you have this disorder. Symptoms may include the following:
• excessive excretion of urine (polyuria)
• thirst (polydipsia)
• constant hunger
• weight loss
• vision changes
• fatigue
Diagnosis
Diabetes mellitus can be easily diagnosis. The test is not very expensive and individuals do not need to leave the island to have the diagnosis made. Management will depend on the type of diabetes and other associated complications.
Prevention
Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications the following might be helpful:
• achieve and maintain healthy body weight
• Be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. More activity is required for weight control
• eat a healthy diet of between three and five servings of fruit and vegetables a day and reduce sugar and saturated fats intake
• Avoid tobacco use – smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• If you have a strong family history of diabetes, get regular medical check-ups
• If you had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy get tested at regular intervals
Living with diabetes
You can lead a full, active, and successful life while living with diabetes mellitus. Once your diabetes is well controlled, many of the complications can be avoided.The challenge for many residents in Anguilla is to have the diagnosis made and then follow the advice or instructions of their health care providers.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus is major public health disorder inAnguilla. This chronic disorder affects many individuals and the impact on the entire family can be tremendous. Individuals should continue to take measures to prevent the development of diabetes, and for those with the diagnosis they should continue to have their diabetes well controlled so that many of the complications can be prevented.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
