Diabetes

Dr Patrick Commettant
Beau Vallon Health Centre

Date : 12th July 2022

Why talk about diabetes.
• In Seychelles at least 10 % of the adult population
suffers from diabetes.
• This number is increasing annually.
• Together with hypertention , diabetes contributes to the
highest mortality rate in Seychelles in terms of
cardiovascular diseases.
• 10% of the MOH budget goes towards management of
diabetes and it’s complication including dialysis.
• Globally in 2019 diabetes was found to be th 9th leading
cause of death with an estimated 1.5 million deaths
directly related to diabetes.
What is diabetes?

“. Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to use glucose (sugar) properly. As a result
people with diabetes have abnormally high levels of glucose in their blood.  

This is because your pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough insulin, to help glucose enter into your
body’s cells. Insulin allows glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used as fuel for energy so we can work, play
and generally live our lives. It is vital for life”
•
 In Essence,
Essence

• No or Lack of insulin
produce by pancreas

• High sugar (glucose) in

blood

• Diabetes
 Types of diabetes:
• Type 1
• Type 2
• Gestational diabetes
• Prediabetes
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
 Type 1 diabetes:

1. Also known as juvenile diabetes

2. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults
3. When body’s own immune system destroys the insulin
producing cells of the pancreas – beta cells – which
produce insulin
4. Only 10% of people have this disease
5. Body does not produce insulin
6. Is not preventable
1. (No primary intervention)
7. Causes?
1. Predisposition to diabetes – genetics - and something (i.e.
weather, virus ... etc ) in environment triggers the disease
 Type 1 Diabetes (cont)

About 10% of people with diabetes

have type 1.

People with type 1 must inject

insulin every day.
Symptoms of
Diabetes:
 Type 2 diabetes:
– Most common form of diabetes – about 90% of cases
– Used to be called adult onset, non insulin dependent diabetes
– Body produces insulin, but does not use it properly
• glucose doesn’t move into cells, they pile up in the bloodstream
– Symptoms when they do occur, are often ignored because they
may not seem serious
Who are at risks of developing
type 2?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM):
• Having diabetes during pregnancy
• Family Hx of diabetes, overweight prior to pregnancy?
• Having gestational diabetes puts you at risk for diabetes type 2
• Giving birth to a baby >4.5kg also puts you at risk for type 2
• 18 out of every 100 pregnant females will develop GDM.
Complications for uncontrolled diabetes:
How do I test for Diabetes ?

EASY !!
Alternatively,
• Fasting overnight for 8 hours,
• Normally midnight to 8a.m
• Blood is withdrawn and send to lab.
• Diagnosis is made according to the
following values.
Diagnosis for diabetes.
• Type 1:
Preventions:
– Not preventable, as of right now.
• Studies on ways to possible prevent further destruction of the beta cells

– Maintain and control sugar levels, insulin injection

– Healthy life style – exercise and diet
– Islet transplantation?
 Preventions:
• Type 2:
– maintain a healthy lifestyle

– adjust diet

– exercise and eat well

– Medication
Preventions
 Healthy Food Choices
• Eating Well ,Try:

– Vegetables and Fruit

– Grain Products
– Milk and Alternatives
– Meat and Alternatives
 Becoming More Active

• 150 minutes of exercise each week

• Resistance exercises

• Start slow
 Getting Started

• Start slowly.
• Do something you like.
• Have a support network.
• Set small goals and celebrate when you achieve them.
• Speak to a personal trainer or healthcare professional.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Start today!
 Preventions:
• Gestational diabetes:
– Physical activity
• Researchers found being physically active before and after their
pregnancy reduced their risk of GDM by about 70% or more
– Diet
• A study showed that each 10 gram increase in fiber a day reduced
their risk of GDM by 26%
Medications
• There are currently many type of glucose lowering
agents,
• All have advantages and disadvantages.
• Patients should immediately report adverse medication
effects with their doctors.
• Strict adherence to medication is advised for maximum
results.
• When insulin is used patients must be very clear on how,
where and how much to inject.
• Signs/symptoms of low blood sugar must be clear to the
patient with explanation of how to remedie the issue.
A word on herbal remedies for
diabetes.

•
Discussion!!