Lately, a lot of Nigerians have died of Covid-19 complications. This set of people are mostly politicians and high profile individuals and that has been worrisome among Nigerians because many of them seem to be fine and healthy before they passed on. In Nigeria mostly, Covid-19 has killed a lot of old/and fairly old people and while the majority of people are have cured of it.
According to City People investigations, the people with underline ailments are mostly affected by Covid-19, especially people who have been suffering from diabetes-related diseases. The most common diabetes in Nigeria is Type 2 diabetes:
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. You can develop Type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.
What is Diabetes? It is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called Blood Sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. Although diabetes has no cure, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and stay healthy.
Sometimes people call diabetes “a touch of sugar” or “borderline diabetes.” These terms suggest that someone doesn’t really have diabetes or has a less serious case, but every case of diabetes is serious.
What are the different types of diabetes?
The most common types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
If you have type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. Your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay alive.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes develops in some women when they are pregnant. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Sometimes diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is actually type 2 diabetes.
OTHER TYPES OF DIABETES
Less common types include monogenic diabetes, which is an inherited form of diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes External link.
WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP TYPE 2 DIABETES?
You are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight. Physical inactivity, race, and certain health problems such as high blood pressure also affect your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Check your risk of diabetes. Take Life! risk assessment test and learn more about your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A 12+ score indicates that you are at high risk and may be eligible for the Life! program – a free Victorian lifestyle modification program that helps you reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and Cardiovascular disease.
Manage your weight. Excess body fat, particularly if stored around the abdomen, can increase the body’s resistance to the hormone insulin. This can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Exercise regularly. Moderate physical activity on most days of the week helps manage weight, reduce blood glucose levels and may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Reduce the amount of fat in your diet, especially saturated and trans fats. Eat more fruit, vegetables and high-fibre foods. Cut back on salt.
Limit takeaway and processed foods. ‘Convenience meals’ are usually high in salt, fat and kilojoules. It’s best to cook for yourself using fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Limit your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can lead to weight gain and may increase your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Men should have no more than two standard drinks a day and women should have no more than one.
Quit smoking. Smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-smokers.
Control your blood pressure. Most people can do this with regular exercise, a balanced diet and by keeping a healthy weight. In some cases, you might need medication prescribed by your doctor.
Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease have many risk factors in common, including obesity and physical inactivity.
See your doctor for regular check-ups. As you get older, it’s a good idea to regularly check your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
What health problems can people with diabetes develop?
Over time, high blood glucose leads to problems such as
heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, dental disease, nerve damage, foot problems
You can take steps to lower your chances of developing these diabetes-related health problems.
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