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Type 2 diabetes is a global epidemic and shows signs of increase each year. South Africa is no exception to this insidious disease and recent South African statistics show that type 2 diabetes is on the rise, especially among older people in South Africa.
Why are increasing levels of diabetes in the elderly?
Type 2 diabetes begins its painful journey much earlier and has few signs or symptoms. Because there is a strong genetic link to diabetes, people with a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop the disease. Here are some important points in this regard:
A large group of pre-diabetics exists in South Africa:
There is a large mass of people who simply do not know that they can be pre-diabetic. They ignore the signs of diabetes and do not seek to know if they are potentially diabetic. This group does not take precautions to adjust their diet and poor dietary habits (high carbohydrate, high sugar), which become the norm. The constant glucose load on the pancreas, where insulin is produced, progresses steadily and at the age of 60, diabetes manifests itself suddenly.
Ignorance is the driving force of diabetes in the elderly person:
Numerous studies around the world have shown that ignorance about the disease is one of the main factors in the diabetes epidemic. This ignorance manifests itself in the following areas:
* The link between a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and diabetes.
* The link between excessive sugar consumption and diabetes
* Ignorance about which common foods are likely to trigger diabetes.
* Denial and fear of whether they are potentially diabetic (especially if there is a family history).
* The link between a sedentary lifestyle (lack of constant exercise).
* The link between obesity / obesity and the risk of developing diabetes.
* The link between chronic stress and the potential to develop diabetes.
Lack of a credible and impactful screening program among "at-risk populations" (such as South African Indians):
Despite all the scientific information on diabetes and risk factors, health authorities do not carry out any coherent screening and education program.
A disease that wreaks havoc on people's lives and costs the country so much health care, because of diabetes-related complications, should be high on the list of priorities for early detection and simple but effective education .
Unfortunately, these interventions are not easy to find and the treatment of the disease with medication is the reaction rather than preventative strategies.
There is enough talent, both medical, scientific and artistic, to create powerful education programs.
What can you do to make sure you are not a victim of diabetes:
* Get tested for diabetes by your doctor.
* Find out what's a healthy, low carbohydrate diet and start using such a diet, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.
* Ask about diabetes (ask your doctor or go online – a lot of information is available online).
* Share information with your friends and family who may be unaware of what diabetes is and if they are at risk.
* Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar
* Start a coherent but simple exercise program – it will save your life.
* If you have a family history of diabetes, check your doctor's blood glucose level at least once a year.
* Younger people should discuss diabetes with their parents and grandparents and help them make healthy choices about their diet and lifestyle.
* Cooppan practices in Morningside, Durban, as a general practitioner in integrative, nutritional and natural medicine. He can be contacted at 031 309 3036 or log on to www.drcooppan.com
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