12 FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

Do you have a loved one living with a chronic condition? Here are 12 facts about Diabetes that’ll help you, help them. 

The prevalence of chronic conditions is on the rise. Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases in the world and is one of the main illnesses with very little management or access to care in The Gambia.

Type 1 Diabetes is known to be a genetic disorder whereby the body does not make insulin and therefore requires insulin as an integral part of the treatment. Type 2 Diabetes is described as largely diet-related and develops over time. The body makes insulin, just not enough or the body prevents insulin from working right. 

1. Type 1 Diabetes is less prevalent and usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults. Type 2 Diabetes accounts for about 90% of cases and typically affects adults with genetic and risk factors based on lifestyle.
   
   
2. What’s Your Number? Getting screened for your risk of Diabetes often by getting a blood sugar test goes a long way in knowing your status and motivating healthy lifestyle choices. Innovarx Global Health offers free Diabetes screenings anytime at our Facility in Fatou Golden Plaza.
   
   
3. The HbA1C Test is one of the most important tests to identify Pre-diabetes, diagnose Diabetes and see how well your Diabetes treatment (medication) is working. It measures the average blood sugar level over a 60 to 90 day period. Diabetes Patients typically travel to Senegal to get an HBA1c Test, not any more. Get a rapid HbA1C Test at Innovarx today!
   
   
4. According to a WHO 2019 report, almost 2% of Gambians between the ages of 20 and 79 are living with Diabetes. 
   
   
5. A 2019-20 Gamba DHS report of 10,441 Gambians between the ages 15-79 showed that only one in four (26.7%) had ever received blood sugar screening from a doctor or healthcare worker. 
   
   
6. Up to 60% of African people with Diabetes do not know they have it. The continent has the highest percentage of undiagnosed patients  in the world.
   
   
7. Gestational Diabetes mellitus (GDM) , defined as Diabetes that develops in pregnant women who don’t already have Diabetes affects 13.7% of women living in Sub-Saharan Africa. GDM normally develops around the 24th week of pregnancy and therefore requires screening between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
   
   
8. What can a diabetic person eat?  Finding a balance and understanding the effect carbohydrates (sugar) has on your blood sugar level is key. A healthy mix of vegetables, protein and minimal carbohydrates is a good formula to adopt. Say no to processed foods with added sugar.
   
   
9. The American Heart Association recommends daily added sugar limits of  (24 grams/100 calories) 6 teaspoons, for women and (36 grams/150 calories) 9 teaspoons, for men. A single can of coca cola contains 39 grams of sugar.
   
   
10. Being proactive with risk factors can help prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes. Age, family history, weight, diet and level of physical activity all play a role in developing Diabetes.
    
    
11. Being newly diagnosed can be scary and overwhelming knowing there is no cure for Diabetes. However, Diabetes can be managed. Adherence to the right medications and lifestyle modifications can help manage the condition and prevent complications. 
    
    
12. Diabetes can develop at any age, even during childhood. However, type 2 diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Individuals over 45 & overweight people are more at risk for developing Diabetes.

Innovarx Global Health offers the Assurance Care Plan, ideally for individuals who want to be proactive with their health and those living with chronic conditions like Diabetes. It includes monthly medications, Doctor consultations, in-house check ups, free delivery and more; relieving the patient from the burden of healthcare.

For more information, call us on +220 2866200 / +220 3866200 or visit our facility in Fatou Golden Plaza, Bertil Harding Highway (adjacent to Election House)