DIABETES FOR DUMMIES What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition that involving insulin, a hormone produced by the body to break down sugar. INSULIN Types of diabetes There are 3 types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestastional. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease developed during adolescence, childhood and rarely adulthood, caused by possible genetics or viruses, the body's pancreas creates little to no insulin for the body requiring an external insulin injection or pump. The specific cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown but severa risk factors suggest poor diet choices, family history and several complications around birth. The body does not respond to insulin effectively, resulting in insulin resistance and the pancreas limiting the amount of insulin, causing glucose to stay in the blood and leading to abnormal glucose levels known as hyperglycaemia. Gestation is less prevalent as it only affects a small percentage of women, causing high blood sugar levels and can affect the pregnancy and the baby's health. Gestationa diabetes most often dissipates after birth. The extent of diabetes
Determinants of health What are the determinants of health? Determinants of health have a heavy impact on the prevalence of diabetes. The determinants; Individual, Socioeconomic, sociocultural and environmental influence the health of individuals and contribute together to affect health both positively and negatively. Individual Individual factors include knowledge, skills, attitude and genetics. People with individual skills are more likely to get diabetes as they are less informed and make poor choices regarding food and health. Sociocultural sociocultural determinants of health refer to society and culture factors such as family, peers, media, religion and culture. People with poor Socioeconomic Socioeconomic determinants of health refers to society related economic factors such as employment, education and income. People with a low socioeconomical status are more likely to get diabetes as often have poor education and income leaving them less options when it comes to healthcare and protective factors. ! Environmental Environmental factors include geographical location, access to health services and technology. A person with poor environmental determinants often lives in remote areas with limited access and
Groups at risk · Family history (type 1 and 2) · Elders (older than 65, type 2) · People with poor determinants of health · indigenous people · People living in remote / very remote areas DIET LIST Protective factors While type 1 diabetes can not be prevent there are several factors that can be implemented to protect against type 2 and gestational diabetes. · Regular exercise (30 mins daily) · Regular doctor check ups · No smoking · Maintaining a healthy weight · Sticking with a healthy diet plan Risk factors Risk factors are factors that increase your chances of diabetes. · Age