Page 10 - IFV Issue 1_2024

Estate News

• People living with diabetes have a much higher risk of
cardiovascular disease – angina, heart attack, stroke, peripheral
artery disease, and congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that
worsen symptoms of depression, leading to poor lifestyle
decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and
weight gain.
Poor management of diabetes today has significant health
repercussions for later on in life – from kidney failure, heart failure,
blindness, nerve damage and, as a result, loss of limbs. How well
you manage your diabetes today, will influence the quality of life
you can expect to live later in life.

INSULIN TREATMENT IS NOT THE ENEMY – POOR
SUGAR CONTROL IS
Many patients are overwhelmed by the prospect of having to go
onto insulin treatment. It is important to know that it is not a failure
if you need insulin treatment as diabetes is a progressive disease,
so in most cases all diabetics will eventually need insulin. Good
control of blood sugar levels is the ultimate goal, and effective
insulin treatment will help prevent other serious issues like heart
disease, stroke, nerve damage, organ damage, eye problems or, in
extreme cases, premature death.
to damage of the nerves throughout the body (neuropathy). This Insulin is a hormone that’s made by the pancreas and its
damage can lead to problems with digestion, urination, erectile purpose is to help the body move glucose into cells for energy.
dysfunction in men and other complications. Among the most When your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or fails to
commonly affected areas are the extremities, in particular the function properly, blood sugar (glucose) levels can rise — leading
feet, where nerve damage can lead to pain, tingling, and loss of to diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you may need
feeling. Loss of feeling is particularly important because it can insulin treatment to help control your blood sugar level³.
allow injuries to go unnoticed, leading to serious infections and
possible amputations. KNOW YOUR BODY
• Kidney disease (nephropathy) is far more common in people Everyone reacts differently to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia),
with diabetes – it is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. so it is important to understand and recognise your own

DIABETES MYTHS AND FACTS:
• Being on insulin will not disrupt your daily routine.
• Insulin does not cause complications such as blindness. Along with other medications, it helps to reduce complications by
controlling your blood sugar level.
• Insulin is not an addictive drug!
• Starting insulin does not mean you are failing to take care of your diabetes. For many people with Type 2 diabetes, the body
gradually produces less and less of its own insulin. Eventually, oral medications may not be enough to keep blood sugar levels
normal. Using insulin to keep a healthy level is the responsible thing to do for your own health.

“The best approach is to be methodical in your planning, and to work out a daily programme that keeps you on track and becomes
part of your routine. Your healthcare provider or diabetes educator is also a very important source of information due to their
experience, so don’t be afraid to engage with them about your concerns, no matter how minor you may think they are,” says Dr
Molefe-Osman. “The fact is that, with proper management, you can overcome the challenges and turn your diabetic journey into
a success story. Know the value of building a support system around you because diabetes requires healthcare providers, daily
attention and commitment – and often involves your whole family.”

8 • Issue 1 2024 • The Villager