Don’t underestimate diabetes, warns expert

Most diabetes patients give sufficient attention to their health only upon experiencing complications, an expert has said.“Diabetes represents a serious problem to the Qatari population; however, many diabetics underestimate the disease,” Manal Othman, senior Diabetes Educator at the Hamad General Hospital’s National Diabetes Centre said.Othman said many complications of diabetes can be irreversible. “The most common chronic complication among the Qatari population is retinopathy, which affects the retina in the eyes. This complication is very serious and may lead to blindness. Such complications usually result from lack of care and not following a doctor’s orders,” the expert said.Diabetics who don’t, or are unable to, control their blood sugar levels and follow a healthy lifestyle may suffer from chronic complications such as heart attacks and strokes, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. To avoid these complications it is advised that diabetes patients incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, maintain steady blood sugar and pressure levels, take medication as prescribed by their physician and follow a healthy diet. Diabetes complications are divided into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute complications include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS).Hypoglycemia is the term used to describe low blood sugar. Patients experiencing hypoglycemia will suffer from a rapid heartbeat, cold sweat, dizziness, anxiety, shaking, increased hunger and blurred vision. Hyperglycemia is the opposite; blood sugar levels elevate and patients experience extreme thirst, frequent urination and dry and itchy skin.DKA is the increased acidity of the blood due to the accumulation of ketones and results from the body’s inability to use insulin to make energy. This complication mainly affects type 1 diabetes.“Diabetes patients should be very cautious regarding DKA. It’s a very serious condition and can lead to a diabetic coma,” Othman warned adding: “Warning signs of DKA include fruity breath and taste in the mouth.” HHS occurs when blood sugar levels remain high for a long period of time. It is caused by a combination of illness, dehydration and the inability to take traditional diabetes medications due to their effect, she said. Symptoms of HHS include frequent urination, extreme thirst, nausea, dry skin and confusion.It may also cause drowsiness and loss of consciousness. “Patients who experience any of the above complications should contact their diabetic educator for a consultation. If they suspect having DKA or HHS they should go to the emergency department. These conditions present serious risks to the body and may lead to coma,” Othman said.The goal of the Diabetes Centre, which was launched recently, is to provide patients with the guidance and support required to manage their own health. “Our role here at the Diabetes Centre is to give patients the guidance, support and education they need. Patients are their own physician when it comes to managing diabetes. Taking medication and preventing its complications by following a healthy lifestyle every day is the responsibility of the patient,” Othman said.