Diabetes is a complicated condition which can take several different forms. The two forms we are most familiar with are type 1 and type 2. Although it is most often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, type 1 diabetes can strike at any age. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is most often diagnosed after the age of 45 (although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger age groups). For the purposes of this article, we’ll discuss type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas (an organ, typically around 15cm long and located behind the stomach) is no longer functioning as intended. This malfunction means the pancreas is either no longer producing enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it is producing isn’t working effectively. Either way, the result is high sugar levels in the blood have the potential to damage organs and other parts of the body. Over time, this can lead to problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, feet and other parts of the body.
Blame game
While it’s true being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes type 2, blaming yourself or others for having the disease isn’t helpful. Blame creates shame, and when we feel shamed, we can be less likely to actively seek the help we need to remain as healthy as possible. It’s also important to understand even people leading exemplary life styles (in terms of diet and exercise), can receive a diabetes type 2 diagnoses. The reasons for this are many, including the fact those with a parental history of type 2 diabetes have a 40% greater risk of having the disease. Ethnicity can also increase risk factors for diabetes type 2, as can socio-economic conditions, lack of sleep, and even the kind of nutrition we received in the womb. So, instead of blaming, let’s take a look at what we can do, where possible, to help stave off diabetes type 2, and to keep as healthy as possible if we are already managing the disease.
Self-care
Head to the Diabetes NZ website to take a quick quiz about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Receive regular check-ups from your GP because diabetes can go undiagnosed for years if symptoms are not obvious or are overlooked.
Exercise regularly according to the advice of your GP. For more general advice, check out our Health NZ, homegrown website and bone up on the exercise advice given there (be sure to scroll down to the section specifically for older people).
Read up on healthy eating and weight loss for those with diabetes, on the Ministry of Health’s dedicated site.
Manage your weight, especially the accumulation of weight around your waist. Reducing weight by as little as 5-10% can help prevent or delay (or even reverse) prediabetes (a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not significantly higher to indicate type 2 diabetes).
Learn how to read food labels so you can check for the amount of sugar foods contain (sugars are often listed under different names such as ‘honey’ or ‘maple syrup’).
Enjoy new ways of cooking and eating food that is healthy and tasty.
Caring for others
Set a healthy eating and exercise example for others, especially the young people in your life. Offer fruit and vege snacks instead of cakes, biscuits, and sweets. Exercise each day, and take your grandchildren with you whenever they are free.
Support sport by joining a club and by attending sports matches played by those you care about (your partner, adult children, grandchildren, and friends and neighbours).
Learn to feel okay about declining sweet foods (your friends will soon learn to offer you something else).
Choose to give healthy gifts instead of sweet treats and alcohol – suggestions of healthy gifts include gym membership, fresh vege subscriptions, and sports shop vouchers.
Care for your country
As you help yourself and others stave off or manage diabetes type 2, you are also helping your country. Diabetes currently costs our health system over 2 billion dollars a year. In the next 15 years, this figure is expected to rise by over another billion dollars. Wage war on diabetes type 2, and help free-up health funding for other essential areas.
Diabetes is a major issue on both a personal and national level. Act now to prevent and manage it.
