Ondjiva- The specialist in internal medicine at Cunene's General Hospital, Hugo Wilson, on Friday urged people with diabetes to keep track of their levels and strictly comply with the treatment indicated by their doctor, in order to avoid complications.
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce insulin or cannot properly use insulin - the hormone produced by the pancreas that is responsible for maintaining glucose metabolism.
The lack of insulin causes a deficit in glucose metabolism and, consequently, diabetes. This is characterized by permanently high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Speaking to ANGOP on World Diabetes Day marked on November 14, the doctor said many of the cases admitted to the health unit are patients in a critical state of neuropathy and other chronic diseases, the result of uncontrolled diabetes.
Hugo Wilson pointed out that preventing diabetes is not always possible, however, he said, there are ways of keeping it under control, such as the need for patients to keep their blood glucose levels under control, improve their eating habits, practice physical exercise and monitor the control of the disease.
The specialist stressed the need for people to eat a healthy diet and exercise daily to prevent cases of the disease and, if they notice symptoms, to seek medical advice for a more precise diagnosis.
According to him, once diagnosed, the doctor should recommend a series of tests to rule out future complications such as blindness, chronic kidney damage, heart disease, myocardial infarction, ulcers, infections and amputations.
Meanwhile, the main symptoms of the disease are excess appetite, constant thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and weakness, among others.
The specialist explained that there are four types of diabetes, with Type 2 being the most common and associated with lifestyle, poor eating habits (excessive consumption of carbohydrates, fat and sweets), family history, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
World Diabetes Day has been celebrated since 1991 on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin with Charles Best.
Globally, an estimated 422 million adults are living with diabetes in 2014, compared to 108 million in 1980.
The global prevalence of diabetes has almost doubled since 1980, from 4.7% to 8.5% in the adult population.
This reflects an increase in associated risk factors, such as being overweight or obese.FI/LHE/SEC/DAN/AMP
