Healthy Living & Eating with Diabetes

As a registered dietitian, I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection of type 2 diabetes. Many of the early warning signs can easily be dismissed as normal everyday occurrences, but these seemingly minor symptoms should not be taken lightly.

The early warning signs of type 2 diabetes include fatigue, increased thirst, and the need to wake up at night to pass urine. These symptoms may seem insignificant, but they could be an indication of an underlying issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to encourage them to get tested right away, even more so if you have a strong family history of diabetes! 

If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications. It can cause hyperglycaemic coma, acute renal failure, blindness, high blood pressure, and even limb amputation. The good news is that a simple finger prick test can provide results within seconds. 

If you're wondering whether you should  get tested for type 2 diabetes, consider the following questions:

• Are you overweight or obese?
• Are you over the age of 45?
• Do you have a close family member with diabetes?
• Have you  previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or polycystic ovarian syndrome?
• Have you  been feeling unusually tired lately?
• Have you been drinking a lot more water than usual?
• Do you need to pass urine more often, especially at night?
• Is your vision blurred?
• Have you gained or lost weight without any major change in lifestyle?

​If you answers yes to one or more of these questions, I would encourage you to completing a screening / finger prick test. Early detection of type 2 diabetes is key to managing the condition successfully. Diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, but it's essential to catch it early to avoid irreversible damage. 

Have you taken the IDF Diabetes online risk assessment? If not, it might be worth considering taking it. It's a quick and easy way to determine your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) developed the IDF type 2 diabetes online diabetes risk assessment, which uses the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score. It asks you a few questions about your age, sex, family history of diabetes, physical activity level, diet, and other lifestyle factors to determine your risk. The good news is that taking the test is simple and straightforward.

FIND OUT YOUR RISK: 
You can find a link to the IDF online risk assessment below. Once you click on the link, you will be taken to a webpage where you can fill out the questionnaire. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and you'll get your results right away.

Did you know that certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes? It's important to be aware of these risk factors so you can take proactive steps to minimize your risk. Here are some of the most common risk factors:
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1. Increased age: If you're over the age of 45, you're at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
2. Family history: If your mother, father, or sibling has diabetes, your risk is higher.
3. Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as Asian, Indian, and Coloured populations, have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
4. Gestational diabetes: If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your risk is higher.
5. Birth weight: If you were born weighing 4kg or more, or if your mother had gestational diabetes, your risk is higher.
6. Pre-existing conditions: If you've already been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure/hypertension, or high cholesterol/dyslipidaemia, your risk is higher.

While having these risk factors doesn't guarantee that you'll develop type 2 diabetes, it's important to be proactive about managing your health. You can minimize your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet. Additionally, if you have any of the pre-existing conditions listed above, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Don't wait until it's too late - take control of your health and be proactive about reducing your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Do you know the warning signs of possible diabetes? It's important to recognize the symptoms, especially if you have other risk factors for developing this condition. Here are the top 3 warning signs to watch out for:

1. Excessive thirst: If you find yourself constantly reaching for a glass of water, it could be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst.
2. Urinating a lot more: Diabetes can also cause you to urinate more frequently, especially at night. This is because your body is trying to flush out excess sugar through your urine.
3. Feeling increasingly tired: If you're feeling more tired than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can make it difficult for your body to produce energy, leading to feelings of fatigue.

​It's important to note that type 2 diabetes may not always present with obvious symptoms, and as many as one-third to one-half of people with this condition may be undiagnosed. That's why it's important to contact a doctor for an evaluation if you experience any possible signs or symptoms of diabetes, especially if you have other risk factors.

Early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of severe complications. Don't wait until it's too late - be proactive about your health and get tested for diabetes if you suspect you may be at risk.

Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? The answer may surprise you. Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, you could be at risk.

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your health and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. One of those steps is getting tested for diabetes. But who should get tested? Let's explore the answer to that question and learn more about diabetes testing.

According to the Society of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa and the  American Diabetes Association, there are two instances when testing is recommended. The first is if you're over the age of 45. As we age, our risk for diabetes increases. The second instance is for all adults, regardless of age, who are overweight with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 (or greater than 23 kg/m2 for Asians) and have one or more additional risk factors.

What are those additional risk factors? They include physical inactivity, hypertension (blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg) or treatment for hypertension, having a first-degree relative with diabetes, dyslipidemia (low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides), polycystic ovarian syndrome, high-risk race/ethnicity (such as Asian, Indian or Coloured), history of cardiovascular disease, gestational diabetes, weighing more than 4 kg at birth, previous impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, and other conditions associated with insulin resistance such as severe obesity or acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition charactertised by dark, velvety patches in body folds and creases. 

If you fall into any of these categories, it's important to get tested. The good news is that testing is easy and can be done in your doctor's office. A simple blood test can measure your blood glucose levels and determine if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it.

It's also important to note that if your test results are normal, you should still be screened again every three years. If you develop symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision, you should be screened again sooner.
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Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By getting tested for diabetes, you can take steps to manage your health and reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.