Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Diabetes awareness week set July 16-22
BAGUIO City Health Officer Florence Reyes announced that the third week of July would be devoted to information dissemination as to diabetes and control of the disease.
Accordingly, the campaign is to educate the public on the symptoms, cause, risk, complications and control of diabetes.
To complement efforts from other sectors and the medical personnel of the City Health Office (CHO), an hour-long radio talk show with City Nutrition Officer Angelita Sabado as guest will be heard over DZEQ on July 25 from 10-11 a.m.
Diabetes, a disease associated with high sugar levels in the body, is usually diagnosed in obese people, those with improper diet and sedentary lifestyle.
Individuals with family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), heart diseases, hypertension and high levels of uric acid and lipids are in the high-risk groups. People in highly stressed conditions are also included in risk groups.
Three types of the diabetes are identified: Type I or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM); Type II or the non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); and gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.
Type II (NIDDM) is more common, as it occurs in about 90-95 percent of diabetics. This type of diabetes is more preventable and controllable as it is associated with obesity and diet.
Complications include renal disease, blindness, coronary artery disease, stroke and foot ulcers.
The sudden shift to extreme low and high levels of sugar in the body would spell danger to the patient.
Also common are infections due to poor blood circulation, especially in the lower limbs; which, if not given attention, may result in gangrene and amputation.
Prevention and control of diabetes includes reduction of intake of sweets, fatty and salty foods; having a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen; maintenance of normal body weight; limited intake of alcohol, and quitting smoking (if a smoker); occasional relaxation; and avoidance of stressful situation.
Some observable symptoms in diabetics may be unexplained weight loss, wounds that do not heal for a long period; weakness or tiredness, excessive thirst or extreme hunger, frequent urination, numbness in hands and feet; blurring of vision, vaginal infection and itchiness.
Diabetes, however, is not readily diagnosed and is determined by a thorough blood examination. No cure is known and therapy would be necessary for the rest of the patient's life.
The CHO, in efforts to be thorough in health endeavors, also announced that trainings on the renal disease control program (RedCoP) for barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars and non-medical personnel would be conducted from July 26-27 and Aug. 9-10 this year. (JF)
