Operation: Sweet alert

CEBU, Philippines - Diabetes is considered the number one endocrine disorder which leads to hypertension, kidney disease, retinopathy which can result in blindness and neuropathy which can lead to the amputation of the lower limbs.

The Department of Health attributes this to the prevalent lifestyle choices today where eating out is the easier alternative to home-cooked meals.

Unfortunately, most of the symptoms of diabetes surface only at a later age when complications have already set in.

It is the advocacy of Sweet Alert Society, Inc. (headed by Honorary Consul to Russian Federation Armi Garcia) to prevent diabetes through education among the schoolchildren in the different barangays of Cebu City and the province. As estimated, three out of five Filipinos are pre-diabetic or at high risk of becoming diabetics. Worse, they may not even know that they are already diabetics.

So, on July 23 which marked the opening of the Diabetics Awareness Week, Sweet Alert combined forces with Cebu Holdings Inc Ayala Center Cebu to demonstrate how changing one’s lifestyle into a healthier one adds more years to your life. A cooking demo of healthier food menus, physical exercises, and ways to prevent diabetes were carried out at the Ayala Activity Center. Pharmaceutical companies gave free sugar testing and cholesterol check for adults, while manufacturers of milk and food products for diabetics shared samplers.

During the program dubbed “Agbayay sa Kahimsug, Healthy Lifestyle” (Year 2), it was learned from a DiabetEase release the do’s and don’ts on Practical Tips for Elderly Diabetics.

DOs

Watch your blood sugar closely. Diabetics need to keep their blood glucose level as close to normal as possible to prevent complications. However, elderly diabetics are more prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). To prevent hypoglycemia, regularly monitor your blood sugar level and stick to your physician’s advice. Avoid excess alcohol and take your medications as prescribed. Inform your doctor if blood sugars are consistently below or above specified targets; and if you are feeling unwell and unable to eat as this can make you prone to hypoglycemia.

Be a fiber lover. Eat more vegetables, whole grains and fruits which are healthy and contain almost no fat and little calories. As always, moderation is the key. Seek the advice of a nutritionist or dietician when it comes to creating a balanced meal plan for you.

Be a keen observer. Watch out for foot blisters, vision problems, kidney irregularities, tooth loss and other health problems that may be signs of diabetes complications. It is important to have your feet, eyes, kidney and teeth checked regularly to ensure that you are safe and free from diabetes complications.

Check your medication. As an elderly diabetic, you must closely monitor your anti-diabetes and other medications, especially for side effects. Drug interactions are a major problem medicines. Ask someone to help you monitor your medication intake to reduce the risk of taking the wrong dose. Pill boxes, post-it notes, electronic alarm devices and other tolls may be used to remind you to take your medications regularly.

Be on the move. Regular physical activity when able is important to keep diabetes under control and your circulation flowing. Ask your doctor for an exercise program suitable for your age and condition. Exercise can lower your blood sugar, so medication dosage may need to be adjusted.

DON’Ts

Do not splurge on sugar and fats. Be careful not to eat food with too much sugar and fats. Too much consumption of these affects your blood sugar control greatly.

Do not be stressed out. High levels of stress can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Take on a hobby to keep your mind off stressful thoughts and situations. Whenever you feel uptight, take a break to relax, breathe deeply and gently stretch any tense areas. And call a friend when you feel down in the dumps.

Do not smoke. There are old diabetics who haven’t quit cigarettes. If you are one of them, this could mean long-term circulatory problems and other complications. Ask aid from friends and family to help you quit.

Do not skip meals. Poor and erratic food intake makes one prone to hypoglycemia. Don’t ignore signs of low blood sugar such as cold sweats, palpitations, hunger, trembling, weakness, nervousness and trouble speaking. Take a quick-fix food like half a cup of juice or regular softdrinks or two teaspoons of sugar to get your blood sugar above 70 mg/dL. If it will be an hour or more before your next meal, have a snack.