Healthy living is key to helping to ‘Beat Diabetes’

Apr 10, 2016 News

---

By Sharmain Grainger
World Health Day (WHD) 2016 came and went with a few activities locally to observe the day.

Since 1950, April 7 has been designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to observe WHD annually. But what was quite notable to me last week, being a reporter tasked with writing on health issues, was that the focus of WHD this year was ‘beating diabetes’. This was of course notable in light of the fact that WHO has already set aside an entire other day (November 14) to annually observe things diabetes – World Diabetes Day.
This therefore evoked the awareness in me that diabetes must be an especially troubling issue to the health sectors of the world. This was substantiated by several health officials and messages presented during observances of WHD this past week.
According to the WHO, the number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980 to 422 million adults, with most living in developing countries. Guyana of course has been targeted for keen attention, since we comfortably fall into that ‘developing countries’ category.
In fact while Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton – in a message to mark the day – acknowledged that diabetes is a very preventable disease, he disclosed that Government through his Ministry has recognised the high prevalence of cases over the years. He, moreover, noted that intervening efforts will seek to target both adult and children.
Experts have concluded that diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.
While there are three types of diabetes – Type One, Type Two and Gestational (which occurs during pregnancy) – the most troubling development has been related to Type Two diabetes.
This has been characterised by a more youthful population becoming inflicted with the disease. In the past, Type Two diabetes was found mainly among the aging population. Given the starling development that more youths, even some ahead of their teenage years, are becoming victims of diabetes, the recent observance here targeted a number of school-aged children.
And the lessons taught left nothing to the imagination. For instance, I attended an event in Region Three, that was spearheaded by the Region Three Health and Wellness Club, which not only tackled the importance of foot care in a diabetic patient, but the disease’s link to Tuberculosis and the need to adhere to healthy factors.
The latter topic was particularly interesting and was presented by veteran Nutritionist, Ms. Norma Howard. In her presentation, Howard related that sedentary lifestyles coupled with the intake of too much of some foods, such as those high in fat and sugar, are particular risk factors for Type Two diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity or being overweight.
There are many people today who are convinced that putting on weight suggests healthy living. But Ms. Howard certainly put this notion completely to rest, even as she stressed the importance of not only eating proportionate foods from the various food groups, but also embracing a tradition of routine exercise.
“No child at 12 or 13 should have Type Two diabetes,” Ms. Howard underscored as she pointed out that healthy eating isn’t something that is expensive, but rather, eating the foods that are available in a particular format. A little bit of the six food groups – fats and oils, fruits and vegetables, protein (meats), milk and starches – is all that is required to have a healthy diet, Ms. Howard insisted.
But according to her, as part of the rules to eating healthy, persons must indulge in three meals per day starting with breakfast.
“Don’t ever leave home without having something to eat. Having three meals per day can control how you eat for the rest of the day; you wouldn’t have those hunger pangs that make you want to go and buy all those sugary things and high fat foods to satisfy your hunger,” Ms. Howard asserted.
She also emphasised that exercise can help to prevent complications that are associated with diabetes and can even serve to prevent the onset of diabetes altogether.
In essence, the message that was forthcoming to commemorate WHD was that individuals have an important role to help control the impact of diabetes that has been plaguing the world.
In concluding Minister Norton pledged that, “the Government of Guyana will continue to improve our health care system, including ensuring that a healthy lifestyle is accessible and affordable.”He added that “the public too, must play their part by leading healthy lifestyles and encouraging others to do so. Together, we can promote healthy communities and families and protect our future”.

---

---