Diabetes

‘Diabetes’ refers to a group of metabolic diseases that occur either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced, resulting in high blood sugar.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (or hyperglycaemia) include polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). Uncontrolled high blood sugars over time lead to serious damage to the body’s organs and systems: kidney failure, foot ulcers, blindness, increased risk heart disease and others. There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes (or insulin-depended diabetes): results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, and presently requires the person to inject insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes: results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly.
• Gestational diabetes: is when pregnant women, who have never had diabetes before, have a high blood glucose level during pregnancy. It may precede development of type 2 diabetes.
• Pre-diabetes or Impaired Glucose Tolerance: is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. It usually precedes Type 2 diabetes, however people can spend many years in a state of pre-diabetes.

Diet and lifestyle factors play a significant role in both prevention and management of diabetes. Even small changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your blood sugar control and reduce risks of developing health problems associated with uncontrolled diabetes such as kidney disease, blindness and foot ulcers.

At your initial diet consultation, a full assessment will be conducted including analysis of your blood sugar levels and food intake. If you measure your blood sugars bring your monitoring book to your appointment. You will be provided with strategies to help control your blood sugar levels within the recommended ranges. Strategies may include, but are not limited to, sample meal plans, education about portions, appropriate snack choices, diabetic-friendly recipes, label reading etc.