Download Fundamentals of Diabetes

Dr. Ranil Perera
Bincote Road Surgery Educational Event
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a life long health condition.
Diabetics have high blood sugar because their
bodies cannot use it properly.
The body (Pancreas) either does not produce
insulin, or the insulin produced does not work
properly.
Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin producing cells are
destroyed
Usually occurs before the age
of 40. Most commonly in
childhood
It is treated by daily insulin
injections, a healthy diet and
regular physical activity
Type 2 Diabetes
The body does not produce
enough insulin, or it does
not work properly
Can be a silent killer - if >40
and overweight worth
getting tested.
Risk factors are combination
of genes and lifestyle
Type 2 Diabetes risk factors
You’re overweight or have a high Body Mass Index (BMI)
You have a large waist (more than 80cm/31.5 inches in women, 94 cm/37 inches in men or
90cm/35 inches in South Asian men)
You’re from an African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese or South Asian background and over 25
You’re from another ethnic background and over 40
You have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
You have ever had high blood pressure, a heart attack or a stroke
You have a history of polycystic ovaries, gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby over 10
pounds/4.5kg
You suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar illness or depression, or you are taking anti-psychotic
medication
You have impaired glucose regulation.
Preventable risk Factors
Small steps can make a big difference.
If you are overweight, losing about 5 per cent of
your body weight can greatly reduce your chance
of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Every kilogram you lose can reduce your risk by
up to 15 per cent.
Healthy Eating
Starchy food should make up 1/3 of diet
Fruit and veg - 5 portions
Dairy products -Good source of protein and
calcium. Pick low fat variant. 3 portions
Meat, fish eggs and pulses - 2-3 portions
Low fat, low sugar, low salt
Keeping active
150 minutes (two and half hours) each week of
moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
Muscle-strengthening activity should also be
included twice a week.
Activity can be spread out through the day into
bite-size chunks. One way to do your
recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical
activity is to do 30 minutes on five days a week.
Top Tips to staying active
. Start slow
1
2. Make small changes to your routine
3. Get fit with friends
4. Find an activity you enjoy
5. Set yourself goals
6. Keep it varied
7. Don’t give up
Although your body benefits as soon as you become more active, you may not see visible changes straight away. It can also
take time for your body to adapt to the activity, so keep going and set goals that are right for you.
Why bother?
Prevention is better than cure
Well controlled diabetes can reduce
complications
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops in pregnancy
Usually in 2nd/3rd trimester
Can be controlled by diet but may need tablets /
insulin
Often resolves after baby is born
10 Healthcare Essentials
1. Yearly blood glucose monitoring.
2. Yearly BP check.
3. Cholesterol monitoring
4. Retinal screening
5. Foot check
6. Kidney function monitoring
10 Healthcare Essentials
cont.
7. Weight check.
8. Smoking cessation support
9. Specialist care if pregnant
10. Access to psychological support
Myths
Type 2 diabetes is a mild form of diabetes
People with diabetes cannot have sugar
People with diabetes should eat 'diabetic' foods
People with diabetes eventually go blind
It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
Questions?