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World Diabetes Day 2019: Family and Diabetes

World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2019 is Family and Diabetes. The goal is to raise awareness of the effect diabetes has on the family and support the network of those affected, as well as to encourage the role of the family in the management, treatment, prevention and education of diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar. It is about the body’s ability (or lack of it) to produce the required amount of a hormone called insulin to control glucose levels in the blood. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into the cells to be stored or used for energy

Different types of diabetes can occur and the treatment of the condition depends on the type of diabetes a person has. There are mainly three types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes

Occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. About 10% of people who have diabetes have type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did.

3. Gestational Diabetes

Occurs in women during pregnancy when the body become less sensitive to insulin.General SymptomsDiabetes symptoms can be caused by rising blood sugar. Additionally, other symptoms as dizziness, headache, mood changes, fast heartbeat can be due to low blood sugar.

Some of the general symptoms of diabetes may include:

● Increased appetite

● Increased thirst

● Weight loss

● Frequent unrination

● Blurry vision

● Extreme fatigue

● Sores that won’t heal

Symptoms in men

Among general diabetes symptoms, men with diabetes may have lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and poor muscle strength.Symptoms in women

Women with diabetes may also have symptoms such as infections of the urinary tract, yeast infections, and hot, itchy skin.

It is very important for people with diabetes to maintain good control of their condition to help reduce and avoid long-term complications. Over the past few years, there have been huge advances in this area for easier detection of the disease. Development work, however, is vitally important to ensure that people with the condition will live a life as normal as possible.

Some types of diabetes like type 1 are caused by factors beyond the persons control. If any of your loved ones have diabetes, support them in all things possible so they may be encouraged to a well, active and healthy lifestyle.

Most importantly, do not hesitate to consult with Medgate’s doctors about diabetes. Early prevention is the key to a healthy, long-term life.