This includes Type 1 diabetes (<5% of all diabetes), Type 2 diabetes (the most common subtype) and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).
Type 1 diabetes occurs because of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas being destroyed and unable to produce insulin. This is typically related to an autoimmune process. There is currently no effective way to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes. Its onset is not in relation to weight, lifestyle choices or eating certain types of food. When type 1 diabetes occurs, there is no mode for reversal and the only treatment available is lifelong insulin replacement.
Type 2 diabetes is mostly related to resistance to insulin. Resistance to insulin increases as weight increases, so maintaining helpful lifestyle choices like regular physical activity and choosing diets containing less fat and less simple sugars but with higher fibre content, can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes comes on during pregnancy. This is in relation to the cells in the body becoming resistant to insulin as a relation of the pregnancy state. Importantly, Asian women tend to have a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes compared to Western Caucasian populations. Maintaining a healthy diet and taking regular physical activity can reduce this risk and help women achieve successful pregnancies with optimal outcomes.
Early symptoms of diabetes may not be obvious, and people with type 2 diabetes may not be aware of this until they present with the complications associated with diabetes or their glucose levels have progressed to a much higher level. When glucose levels are chronically elevated, people with diabetes may experience excessive thirst and urination and weight loss. This is because the high glucose levels exceed the kidneys’ ability to retain glucose within the body, and glucose gets excreted into the urine, drawing along with it water. Other common symptoms of high glucose levels include frequent infections, slow healing wounds, blurred vision and excessive fatigue.
If you are concerned you may have diabetes, check your risk for diabetes and get yourself screened at Diabetes Singapore.
Pre-diabetes is defined by the glucose thresholds of a fasting glucose 6.1-6.9 mmol/l or 2-hours glucose of ≥7.8 to 11 mmol/l during an oral glucose tolerance test. Having pre-diabetes means a high likelihood of progressing to diabetes in the near future. Losing weight, dietary modifications and increased physical activity can help improve metabolic health and reverse pre-diabetes towards a normal glucose state.
Weight: The more weight you have on, the greater the amount fatty tissue you have. This causes your body to be more resistant to insulin.
Decreased activity: Having a higher activity level enables your body to become more sensitive to insulin and reduces the risk of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes: Having diabetes that comes on in pregnancy puts a woman at a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Importantly, maintaining good lifestyle choices like choosing to eat healthily and being physically active can lower this risk.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) occurs when blood glucose drops below the normal range, specifically to levels under 4.0 mmol/L.
Hypoglycaemia is more commonly seen in individuals who use insulin or certain oral diabetes medications.
If you are on treatment for diabetes, hypoglycaemia can be triggered by:
Taking too much insulin or specific glucose-lowering tablets
Eating too little
Delaying or skipping meals
Exercising more than usual
Consuming too much alcohol or drinking alcohol without eating
Hypoglycaemia symptoms can be distressing and may disrupt your daily life. In severe cases, it can lead to accidents, seizures, unconsciousness, or even death. The good news is that hypoglycaemia can be recognised, managed, and prevented. These symptoms serve as early warning signs that your blood sugar is too low.
Early signs and symptoms:
Trembling or shakiness
Sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Headache
Dizziness
Tingling in the fingers, lips, or tongue
Hunger or nausea
Nervousness or anxiety
Irritability
Severe symptoms:
Weakness or trouble walking
Blurred vision
Confusion or unusual behaviour
Slurred speech
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Seizures
Signs that you may be experiencing low blood sugar at night include:
Excessive sweating while asleep
Seizures during the night
Waking up feeling tired, confused, or with a headache
Check your blood glucose levels regularly
Always keep fast-acting carbohydrates with you to treat hypoglycaemia promptly
Inform your family and friends about the signs of hypoglycaemia and how they can help if you're unable to manage it on your own
If you notice symptoms of hypoglycaemia, use your glucometer to check your blood glucose. If it’s below 4.0 mmol/L, consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates immediately.
Fast-acting carbohydrate options include glucose tablets, regular (non-diet) soft drinks, or fruit juice. If you’re unable to check your blood glucose right away but have symptoms of low blood sugar, it’s safest to go ahead and take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
Do not use the following to treat low blood glucose, as they take too long to raise your sugar levels:
Foods or drinks high in fat or protein
Items that are difficult or slow to chew or suck
Wait 15 minutes after consuming fast-acting carbohydrates, then check your blood glucose again to see if it has returned to a safe level.
If your blood glucose is still low (below 4.0 mmol/L), repeat steps 1 to 3. If your blood glucose has risen to 4.0 mmol/L or higher, move on to step 4.
Blood glucose levels can drop again about an hour after treating hypoglycaemia. If your next meal is more than an hour away, have an extra snack that contains 15 grams of longer-acting carbohydrates.
Examples include:
3 plain biscuits
1 slice of bread
A family member or friend should take you to the hospital or call an ambulance (995) immediately if:
Your blood glucose remains low (below 4.0 mmol/L) despite repeated treatment with fast-acting carbohydrates
You experience a seizure
You lose consciousness due to a hypoglycaemic episode
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