DIABETIC CLINIC
There is a lot more to diabetes than merely a disease involving an excess of sugar in the body. The purpose of this article is not to be academic, and other than to state that there are basically 2 kinds of diabetes, i.e. type 1 and 11 attention is drawn to the consequences which (could) result from denial or ignorance on the one hand, and lack of discipline on the other. It is important to recognise this illness in the pre-diabetic state and become pro-active at this stage. Signs such as excessive thirst, tiredness and infections which do not heal in the anticipated time as well AS MANY OTHER SIGNS should never be ignored.
Unfortunately diabetes has become common amongst the youth. A family history of diabetes increases one's chances of being afflicted by as much as 80%.
Lifestyle changes could postpone or even prevent the onset. Correct eating habits, enough exercise ,prevention or reduction of obesity goes a long way to control diabetes. Modification in this area often results in the reduction of medication of the sufferer, whether it be in tablet or the injectable form, which, besides reducing the cost of treatment results in a much healthier individual.
Complications of diabetes include a high risk of strokes, blindness, heart &/or kidney failure, mouth infections, amputation damage to the nervous system, ED and others. With early diagnosis, proper care and discipline the above need not result!
Patients, once stabilized on medication should NOT resort to self-medication but should see their practitioner , ophthalmologist, etc AT LEAST 6monthly .Monitors for home use are available, and useful, if not essential on an ongoing basis. However, it must be emphasized that PHYSICAL EXAMINATION of the body is essential and hence the above comment, Furthermore, as with any other situation, it is advisable to take responsibility for one own health and not to delegate that responsibility do the doctor. A team effort could be of extreme value, involving doctors, dieticians and diabetic educators.(M-KEM has a team of especially trained and qualified sisters and pharmacists who are able to educate and monitor certain aspects, and advise on changes, in consultation with doctors and in between visits to the doctor/endocrinologist). Patients often use their medication incorrectly, and do not know how to adjust their insulin dosage under different conditions or even where on the body to inject themselves. A dietician as well as a podiatrist are available by appointment. We at M-KEM recognise the importance all facets of this condition, exercise being all important and we therefore have at our patients' disposal biokineticists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
On a regular basis patients arrive at M-KEM's sisters or pharmacists with what they consider to be minor complaints such as tiredness. On monitoring their blood sugar, alarmingly high levels are found. That fact, as well as many others has motivated me to write this article.
We sincerely hope you have taken note, and will avail yourself of every opportunity to prevent, control, or curtail this too-common ailment.
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