Diabetes
ENGLISH / MALTESE
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce insulin.
Insulin is produced by an organ in the body called the pancreas and is an essential hormone which regulates blood sugar levels.
It increases after eating a meal to reduce glucose (sugar) levels and decreases if you fast to maintain an adequate level of glucose.
Therefore, diabetic patients suffer from high glucose levels since their insulin levels are either too low or their body is not responding well to insulin.
Glucose is required for your body to work; however high and low levels of glucose cause harmful short- and long- term effects.
Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar levels, can seriously damage your organs if sugar levels remain high for a long time. This may lead to kidney, heart and eye problems, among others.
Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar levels, can cause more of an acute problem where your brain does not get enough glucose to function.
“Diabetes is a common problem in Malta, affecting approximately 10% of the population
Diabetes is on the rise; research has shown that 45% of the Maltese population will have diabetes by the year 2045”
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is more common in younger patients
This type of diabetes results from your body’s immune system attacking cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.
With insulin therapy and a healthy lifestyle, you can learn to manage your condition and live a long and healthy life.
What is type 2 Diabetes?
This is most common form of diabetes and tends to develop at an older age.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body is unable to use insulin properly and/or your pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This type of diabetes develops due to several reasons and is linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and family history.
What risks are associated with diabetes?
Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease relates to the disease of your heart and blood vessels.
High glucose levels in the blood lead to damage to the walls of your arteries which makes them more prone to build up plaque and fatty material. This is known as atherosclerosis (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET).
If your arteries to your heart or brain become blocked completely, this may lead to a heart attack (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET) or stroke respectively.
What do I feel if I develop diabetes (which remains untreated)?
The symptoms of diabetes may vary, some develop suddenly, and others may take time to develop. A few patients with type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms and remain undiagnosed for many years; however, the permanent damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes would still be ongoing. The onset of type 1 diabetes is often abrupt. Symptoms may include:
Increased need to urinate - especially at night
Feeling more tired than usual
Unexplained weight loss
Increased thirst
Blurring of vision
Recurrent fungal infections
Delayed healing time
How do I know if I have diabetes?
The suspicion of harbouring diabetes is often initially based on symptoms. Tests including a fasting (starved) or random glucose level with a finger prick test or blood sample are diagnostic.
Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that provides your doctor with an average level of your blood sugar over the previous few months.
Tests including a fasting or random glucose level with a finger prick test or blood sample are diagnostic.
How do I reduce my risk of developing diabetes and the complications associated with it?
Maintain a healthy diet
Stop smoking- Local smoking cessation services are available, and you can always ask your family doctor for advice (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET)
Control your blood sugar levels (in the case of diabetic patients)
Reduce alcohol consumption
Remain physically active (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET)- Taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking to local shops instead of taking the car. It is recommended to do around 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week
Diagnose and control your high blood pressure (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET)
Control cholesterol levels (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET)
Maintain a healthy weight (LINK TO OTHER LEAFLET)
What is the treatment for diabetes?
If you are diabetic, you must maintain good control of your blood glucose levels.
Consider buying a glucose monitor to check your levels at home.
Follow the points above to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the complications.
Follow your doctor’s advice and attend regular check-ups.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin therapy; different insulin regimens are available, and each patient will have their individual regime.
Type 2 diabetics can sometimes control their blood sugar levels by maintaining a healthy lifestyle; however, you may require medication, with or without insulin therapy.
The most common medications in type 2 diabetics are Metformin and Gliclazide.
Newer medications have also been shown to improve blood glucose control whilst concurrently decreasing the risk of a heart attack or heart failure.
Due to the increased risk of heart attack or stroke, you may also need medication to lower the level of cholesterol in your blood with medications called statins.
Take-Home Messages
Diabetes is a chronic condition which causes high glucose (sugar) levels in your blood.
Diabetes increases your risk of a heart attack and stroke.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and reduce diabetic complications.
Not all diabetic patients require insulin therapy.
Maintain good control of your blood glucose levels.
Follow your doctor’s advice and attend regular check-ups.
HELP AND SUPPORT
If you have any questions regarding our article feel free to contact us on info@maltaheartfoundation.org or our Facebook page.
This article was authored and edited by Dr. Alex Esposito and edited by Dr. Neil Grech, in collaboration with the Malta Heart Foundation and Maltese Cardiac Society.