Risk Factors:
Non-modifiable risks
- Age: With age, the body finds it difficult to produce adequate amount of insulin to normalize blood glucose levels. Previously it was denoted as an adult onset illness but now we are seeing patients under 10 years with Type 2 diabetes.
- Family history: Those who have a first degree [father, mother, brother, sister] family history of diabetes is more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. This could be due to genetics or unhealthy lifestyles.
- Race or ethnicity: Some races or ethnic groups are more prone to the illness than others.
- Being overweight:
- Excessive weight is a definite risk factor.
- Body Mass Index [BMI – Asian]:
- Normal: 18 -23
- Overweight: 23 – 25
- Obese: 25 – 30
- Increased waist circumference: Increased waist is more crucial than an overall increase in BMI.
- Female – Under 80 cm
- Male – Under 90 cm
- Abnormal nutrition: Nutrition plays a major role in the development of T2D. A balanced diet high in fibre and low in carbohydrates is ideal
- Physical Inactivity: Decreased physical activity / exercise is common in modern lifestyles. Increasing physical activity through regular exercise is essential for wellbeing.
- Stress: Stress triggers hormonal and metabolic changes in the body that puts one at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Stress reduction through exercise, meditation and yoga are recommended together with other changes in lifestyle.
Diabetes 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, people should:
-
- 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, avoiding sugar and saturated fats intake; and
- Avoid tobacco use – smoking increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing of blood sugar. Treatment of diabetes involves diet and physical activity along with lowering blood glucose and the levels of other known risk factors that damage blood vessels. Cessation of tobacco use is also important to avoid complications.
The starting point for living well with diabetes is an early diagnosis – the longer a person lives with undiagnosed and untreated diabetes, the worse their health outcomes are likely to be. Easy access to basic diagnostics, such as blood glucose testing, should therefore be available in primary health-care settings. Established systems for referral and back-referral are needed, as patients will need periodic specialist assessment or treatment for complications.
Interventions that are both cost-saving and feasible in developing countries include:
Blood glucose control, particularly in Type 1 diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin, people with Type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin;
-
- Blood pressure control; and foot care.
- Screening and treatment for retinopathy (which causes
- blindness)
- Blood lipid control (to regulate cholesterol levels)
- screening for early signs of diabetes-related kidney disease
- and treatment.
