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The deadliest hormone-problem in the world

Diabetes is taking over the world, growing at scary rates. Recent statistics show that here in Africa diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition. In fact, more people die every year due to complications from Diabetes, than from violent crimes!

The single hormone responsible for the pandemic

Many people misunderstand diabetes. You don’t get diabetes like you get a cold or the flu: it’s not something that happens to you. A more accurate way to describe the condition, would be:

“Your body’s insulin is not working properly.”

Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. When you have enough insulin, and it works properly, they act like a key: unlocking your body’s cells, so that glucose can be absorbed and used for energy throughout the body. It keeps your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Insulin facts:

  • Everyone needs insulin. Whether you make enough insulin or not is the issue. People who don’t have diabetes make enough of their own insulin to keep their blood sugar at healthy levels. People with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce any insulin, and need to inject themselves to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. People with Type 2 diabetes make insulin, but their bodies don’t respond well to it. So, they may also need to take insulin.
  • Insulin treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The amount of insulin you need depends on the severity of your condition, your diet and level of activity.
  • Insulin is a protein. Insulin must be injected with a syringe, an insulin pen, or an insulin pump for it to get into your bloodstream.
  • Insulin can be divided into four types. Rapid-acting insulin: works within 15 minutes of injection, peaks after one hour, and lasts two to five hours. Short-acting insulin: works within 30 minutes of injection, peaks after two to three hours, and lasts five to eight hours. Long-acting insulin: reaches the bloodstream hours after injection, and lowers blood sugar levels gradually over 24 hours. Intermediate-acting insulin: reaches the bloodstream about two to four hours after injection, and is effective for 12 to 18 hours.
  • Insulin can be injected in different parts of the body; your thighs, arms, and buttocks. Avoid injecting within about 5cm of your belly button as insulin isn’t absorbed well in this area. Insulin injection sites should be rotated. Vary the site where you inject insulin to prevent skin thickening and fatty tissue build-up.
  • Insulin needs to be balanced with your food or calories. Opt for foods that are less likely to affect your blood sugar, like fish, leafy greens and eggs. Avoid sugar-spiking foods like potatoes, corn and peas, grapes and cherries.
  • An insulin overdose can lead to low blood sugar levels; which can result in a coma – and even death. Too little insulin can lead to high blood sugar levels, which could also result in a coma. So, it’s vital to take your insulin exactly as prescribed!
  • Although rare, insulin allergy can happen. Symptoms include itchy skin, redness, and wheezing. If you experience any of these symptoms soon after injecting insulin, call your doctor immediately. Usually an antihistamine is given to block the response of the immune system, until the body begins to accept the insulin.

What this means to you

It’s important to recognise that Diabetes Type 2 is not out of our control. In fact, you can prevent it entirely, by living a healthy lifestyle. The reason people develop this problem with their insulin function, is because of unhealthy diets with high sugar content. And don’t fall into the trap of thinking: “I’m young and healthy. It doesn’t affect me!” In fact – it is every food choice you make today that can cause serious insulin dysfunction 10 years from now.

Trade those sweets for healthy fruit. Go to your gym, instead of binge-watching ANOTHER episode of Game of Thrones, and you could keep your insulin working at full capacity to a ripe old age!

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