Diabetes And Well-Being

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Diabetes is a complex disease that impacts both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. They must be resilient, organized, and responsible. Diabetes affect around 14 percent of all adults worldwide in 2022, compared to seven percent in 1990, according to the new analysis in The Lancet Journal. Disturbingly, the team of researchers estimated that more than 800 million people are now diabetic, compared to less than 200 million in 1990. These figures include both main types of diabetes. Diabetes in North America and the Caribbean. In the Americas, diabetes was recorded as the fourth leading cause of death and disability in 2019. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, North America and the Caribbean are ranked 4th in the world, with an age-adjusted comparative diabetes prevalence in adults 20-79 years of age of 11.1%. Projected prevalence in 2030 and 2045 are 12.3% and 13.0%, respectively. In 2019, the country in the Americas with the highest age-standardized mortality (excluding chronic kidney disease) due to diabetes was Guyana, with 82.6 deaths per 100 000 population. Several Caribbean countries were in the top ten, including 3rd Trinidad and Tobago and 4th Haiti at 69.6 and 68.2 per 100,000, respectively. The International Diabetes Federation states that approximately 11.9% (9% men, 14.6% women) or 236,200 of Jamaicans 15 years and older have diabetes. The prevalence increases with age and more women than men have diabetes. There are 92.5% (91.3% male, 93.0% females) of Jamaicans 15 years and older with diabetes that are on treatment. Type 1 affects patients from a young age and is more difficult to treat because it is caused by an insulin deficiency. Type 2 mainly affects middle-aged or older people who lose their sensitivity to insulin. Diabetes is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia). People develop hyperglycemia if their diabetes is not controlled. Hypoglycemia sets in when blood sugar levels are too low. This is usually a side effect of treatment with blood-sugar-lowering medication. Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia that is first recognized during pregnancy. In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 14 November as World Diabetes Day. The document recognized “the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health, and provide access to treatment and health-care education.” Every November 14, World Diabetes Day is commemorated. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes on people's health and to highlight the opportunities to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes. Diabetes and well-being. Diabetes and well-being is the theme for World Diabetes Day 2024. With appropriate access to diabetes care and support for their well-being, everyone with diabetes has the chance to live well. A new global survey conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveals that 77% of people living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their diabetes. The fear of developing complications (83%) was the most common factor impacting mental well-being. Other factors include daily diabetes management (76%), stigma and discrimination (58%) and fear of needles (55%). The survey also highlighted a clear call for better support, with 3 in 4 people living with diabetes seeking increased support for their emotional and mental well-being from their healthcare providers. Although diabetes doesn’t always lead to mental health challenges, a significant 79% of participants report experiencing diabetes burnout, primarily due to the emotional strain and demands of daily management. Alarmingly, 3 in 4 of those affected by burnout admitted to stopping or interrupting their diabetes treatment due to stress or feeling overwhelmed. Symptoms. If you have any of the following diabetes symptoms, see your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested: • Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night • Are very thirsty • Lose weight without trying • Are very hungry • Have blurry vision • Have numb or tingling hands or feet • Feel very tired • Have very dry skin • Have sores that heal slowly • Have more infections than usual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people who have type 1diabetes may also have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age. Symptoms can develop in just a few weeks or months and can be severe. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often take several years to develop. Some people do not notice any symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you are an adult, though more and more children and teens are developing it. Because symptoms are hard to spot, it is important to know the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and Sex Life. Being diagnosed with diabetes affects much more than a person’s diet. It can impact every aspect of their life, including their sexual health. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage throughout the body. In women, this can affect: the ability to experience sexual stimulation and arousal as well as the release of vaginal lubricants. These changes may result in painful sex and a reduced ability to experience an orgasm. During menopause, a woman with diabetes may experience sudden drops in her blood sugar levels. This may affect her sexual health because she might experience symptoms of low blood sugar during sex. This may make sex seem more of an inconvenience than a pleasure. She may also have to check her blood sugar before having sex. In addition, women with diabetes are more likely to experience infections, such as thrush, cystitis, and urinary tract infections. These can all impact the ability to have or enjoy sexual intercourse. Men with diabetes often have reduced testosterone levels, which can affect their sex drive. However, the main sexual health problem affecting men with diabetes is an inability to achieve or maintain an erection, known as erectile dysfunction (ED). For a man to achieve an erection there must be significant blood flow to the penis. However, diabetes damages the blood vessels, which can affect blood flow to the penis. Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and make it more difficult for him to maintain an erection. Treatment and Management. When it comes to diabetes treatment and management, insulin plays a pivotal role. This lifesaving medication is essential for controlling blood sugar levels. Without access to it, people with diabetes are at risk of serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis a life-threatening condition that needs immediate emergency care. Listening to your body and being informed are perhaps the best ways one can treat and manage diabetes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is vital in preventing the nerve damage that can cause problems, including for a person’s sexual health. Ways of managing blood sugar levels include using insulin, taking medications, and checking blood glucose levels regularly. There are several medications a doctor can prescribe to enhance blood flow and improve a man’s ability to achieve an erection. Women may wish to use a vaginal lubricant before engaging in sex to reduce pain during intercourse. The lubricant should be water-based. Drugs are available to treat people who are struggling with mental health issues as a result of diabetes. If you suspect you have diabetes speak to your health care provider. People with diabetes should seek regular screening for complications to aid in early detection. This includes screening for kidney disease, regular eye exams, and foot assessment. In the words of John Bel Edwards, diabetes is a serious illness that touches the lives of so many of our families members, friends and communities and we must do all that we can to raise the awareness of this disease. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo
© #WorldDiabetesDay #DiabetesLife #DiabetesAwareness

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