Patient Education
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by raised blood glucose level, known as hyperglycaemia, caused by insufficient insulin production from the pancreas or the body’s inability to use insulin (insulin resistance). Long-term, uncontrolled high blood sugar will damage human organs and body parts. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and lower limb amputation.
Diabetes type 1
Caused by deficient insulin production in the body, requiring external insulin supply. In the past, it was known as insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood onset diabetes. It cannot be prevented. Excessive urination (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue are common symptoms.
Gestational diabetes
The type of hyperglycemia occurs in pregnant women with a high risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Their children are also at high risk of type 2 diabetes. It can be diagnosed through prenatal screening during regular antenatal care visits.
Diabetes type 2
Caused by insufficient production of insulin or inability of the body to use insulin effectively. Being overweight and physically inactive are contributing factors. This has been observed in 95% of persons diagnosed with diabetes. While this type was previously limited to adults, it has recently extended to a growing number of children. Its symptoms are similar to those of type 1, but less noticeable in the early stages. Consequently, it may only be diagnosed several years after onset. Onset can be prevented or delayed by a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, sticking to a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity.
Ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes
It is an uncommon form of non-immune ketosis-prone diabetes. It was initially identified in young African Americans, variously described as subtypes of T1DM or T2DM. Some have suggested that idiopathic or type 1B diabetes be reclassified as ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes. Its similar phenotypes were seen in sub-Saharan African populations. People present with ketosis and evidence of severe insulin deficiency, but later go into remission and do not require insulin treatment. Further ketotic episodes occur in 90% of these people within 10 years.
Dangers of diabetes?
Long-term uncontrolled blood sugar in people living with diabetes may damage their heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves with serious consequences such as
- Two to three times increase in the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
- In the lower limbs, slow wound-healing, with inadequate blood flow, weakened sensation with nerve damage (neuropathy) are the predisposing factors to diabetic foot ulcers. It might lead to limb amputation.
- Diabetic retinopathy is caused by chronic damage to the retinal blood vessels, which impairs a person's vision and leads to blindness.
- Diabetes is the major common cause of renal failure.
- Unfavourable treatment outcomes observed for patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and COVID-19: COVID-19 patients with diabetes have increased mortality risk
Our Approach
Early Prevention
Prevention includes weight monitoring, diet management, regular blood sugar checking and disengaging in sedentary lifestyle. The cardinal target for this service includes people that are pre-diabetic or with family history of diabetes.
Integrated Treatment
At Chronicare, we have integrated the various specialties involved in managing diabetes under one roof. We offer services such as consultation, diabetes education, eye care, foot care, nutrition consultation and meal planning, physiotherapy and fitness, and medication dispensary and refill.
Personalised Support
Blood glucose monitoring, training on insulin usage, fitness, nutrition, medication adherence, reducing the risk of complications, coping with stress and life changes, among others. We personalize these components to the varying needs of each patient at our centres.
At Chronicare, foot screening is an important part of our patient management process, as highlighted by our DNE nurse in the video below.
