FUND THE NURSES

Supporting the Healthcare is Vital in the Fight Against Diabetes

FUND THE NURSES

Supporting the Healthcare is Vital in the Fight Against Diabetes

Developing Diabetes: Easier than you think

Doomsday predictions and dangers are usually more hoaxes than facts. But here’s a doomsday scenario more factual than the others: you might get diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease wherein your body cannot process excess sugar in your body, causing your blood glucose level to rise.
In 2014, about 422 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with diabetes. From about 4.7% in 1980, the global prevalence of diabetes among adults rose to 8.5% in 2014. Most of these diagnoses are type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes, numbering to about 90 to 95%.

Could you be at risk of diabetes? Here are some risk factors :

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Weight

Being overweight is a main risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. But you don’t need to be overweight to develop type 2 diabetes.

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Fat Distribution

If you have more fat in your abdomen, then you are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is called visceral fat.
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Age

The older you get, the more you’re likely to develop type 2 diabetes, though this might be due to less physical activity.
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Inactivity

The less active you are, the more you’re likely to gain weight, and the more you’re likely to develop an insulin resistance, which contributes to diabetes.
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Family History

If you have relatives in your family who have developed type 2 diabetes, then you’re more likely to develop it as well
Don’t take diabetes too lightly. It’s more common than you think. Actually, it’s more common because the risk factors are easy to ignore! Will you allow yourself to fall to type 2 diabetes?

Could this be you?

Could this be you?

You hear it all the time: “Mataas na ang sugar ko,” “Naku, hindi na ko pwede diyan,” “Magkaka-diabetes ako niyan, eh!” You hear it in jest. You say it jokingly. But actually, Diabetes is more common, and more serious, than you think!

Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death among Filipinos according to the 2018 Philippine Health Statistics, accounting for 5.4% of all deaths in 2018.

Over 6 million Filipinos are diagnosed as diabetic, according to the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation last 2016.

About 14.2% percent of the population is considered at risk of pre-diabetes, experiencing hyperglycemia that might lead to diabetes.

That’s around 15 million Filipinos at risk of diabetes. Altogether, around 1 in 5 Filipinos have or are currently at risk of developing diabetes.

What if i have it? 

what if i have it

So you’re part of the 1 in 5 Filipinos with or at risk of having diabetes. Don’t worry! It’s not the end of the world! It may be harder to live, but it is definitely possible to live with diabetes! All you need to do is to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. Here are a few things you could do to manage your diabetes.

Manage what you eat

We get our sugar from the food that we eat. So if we want to manage the amount of sugar in our body, we have to manage the sugar we allow into our bodies. Make sure your meals are well-balanced, well-apportioned, and well-suited with your medications. As much as possible, avoid foods and drinks that are abundant in sugar, especially processed foods, sweets and sodas.

Move Your Body

The sugar in your body is your fuel; it’s what keeps you running! To reduce the sugar in your body, burn it up by exercising! Exercise also helps your body use insulin more effectively.

Consider Your Medication

Because you’re diabetic, medications will always be part and parcel of your new life. Make sure that you always have enough, that you have some in store, and that you don’t try anything new without consulting your doctor first. Consider natural herbal supplements, as well! Ask your doctor if these supplements can help you in your diabetes management

Handle Your Stress

Your body produces hormones when you’re stressed. These hormones may cause a rise to your blood sugar level. Therefore, learn how to handle your stress! Know where it’s coming from, and assess what you can and can’t control. Learn techniques that can keep you calm, and surround yourself with people who can help you de-stress!

There are many other ways to manage your diabetes, and with the myriad of ways is a way best suited for you! See, it’s still possible to survive, and thrive, even with diabetes!

NOTE: Never self-diagnose! It is important that you go to your doctor to confirm if you do have diabetes.

Prevent Diabetes

Prevent Diabetes

The small sacrifices of a healthier life is immensely worth it compared to the staggering problems brought by diabetes! Prevent it while you can!

If you don’t have diabetes, great! But it always pays to stay vigilant, especially if you have one or more risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing diabetes.

Prevention is better than cure, and the rule-of-thumb for preventing diabetes is simple: a healthy lifestyle! Here’s how you can live a healthier lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Switch To A Healthy Menu

A diet of processed foods and sweets may be convenient, but it’s a health nightmare! To reduce your risk of diabetes, switch to a healthier menu that is low in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Consider adding fruits to your diet, and add more vegetables and whole grains. Consider lessening your dependence on carbohydrates, as well.

Get Fit

Physical activity both burns sugar and uses insulin more efficiently. By being regularly active, you prevent your body from building up sugar, keeping your blood sugar levels at a manageable range.

Shed Those Extra Pounds Off

Being overweight is a main risk factor. If you’re overweight, consider shedding the extra weight with a healthy diet and proper exercise!

Stop Slacking Around

Inactivity, most notably for long periods, can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle is generally an unhealthy one, so make sure you’re not slacking around every day!

We Can Win Against Diabetes –  But We Need Help!

We Can Win Against Diabetes –  But We Need Help!

As of 2018, Diabetes has been the 5th leading cause of death in the Philippines, accounting for 5.4% of all deaths that year. While diabetes is a difficult disease to bear with, many countries have the means and facilities to give their diabetic patients a meaningful life. It cannot be said for the Philippines.

According to a report from the World Health Organization in 2016, our hospitals and healthcare facilities generally lack medicine, procedures and basic technologies for diabetic patients. Insulin is not generally available in primary care facilities, procedures like renal transplants and dialysis are also not generally available, and other basic technologies like urine strips for glucose and ketone measurement among other things.

The government has recognized the prevailing threat of diabetes for Filipinos, but more action must be done in order to fully realize quality care for our diabetic patients.

Petition your congressmen and local government officials to address diabetes healthcare, and educate and inspire other people to live a lifestyle that can prevent diabetes.

All these efforts can pave the way for a life unfettered by diabetes!

 

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