World Diabetes Day is a global awareness campaign held on November 14th each year to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and its management. It aims to educate people about the impact of diabetes on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. The campaign promotes healthy lifestyles, early diagnosis, and access to affordable treatment for all individuals living with diabetes. By increasing awareness and understanding, World Diabetes Day strives to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes and work towards a world free from this chronic disease.
Setting a specific day to raise awareness about diabetes and its prevention holds great significance and serves important functions. Diabetes, being the second leading cause of death among modern diseases, poses a threat to the human body second only to cancer. Currently, 1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes, with over 90% having type 2 diabetes. Alarmingly, close to half of these individuals remain undiagnosed. However, in many cases, type 2 diabetes and its complications can be delayed or prevented by adopting and maintaining healthy habits. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of your risk and take appropriate measures to support prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and allows cells to use it as a source of energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops early in life and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is more common and often occurs later in life. It is primarily caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
Diabetes can lead to various complications if not properly managed. Some of the common complications associated with diabetes include Cardiovascular diseases, Kidney damage/failure, eye problems, nerve damage, foot complications, skin conditions including infections, itching, and slow wound healing.
It is important to manage diabetes effectively to minimize the risk of these complications. Regular medical care, proper medication, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing the severe aftermath of diabetes. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are also important for early detection and management of diabetes. They can assess your risk factors, perform blood sugar tests, and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By adopting these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.
Diabetes Q&A
1.No symptoms, no harm?
Incorrect!
Many patients overlook the control and management of blood sugar in the early stages of the disease due to the lack of obvious symptoms. This leads to long-term uncontrolled blood sugar and the accumulation of complications in all organs of the body. Once diabetes is diagnosed, it must be taken seriously. Patients should adhere to scientific, standardized, and reasonable treatment to effectively control blood sugar and prevent complications!
2.Feeling good lately, can I skip my blood sugar medication for two days?
No!
Diabetes is a lifelong disease that currently cannot be cured. After regular treatment, patients may see their blood sugar levels return to normal and their symptoms may disappear. However, this does not mean they are cured. The majority of patients still need to continue long-term medication even when their condition is stable. Arbitrary discontinuation of medication may cause abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar levels. When medication is resumed, the original dosage may not achieve the desired effect, necessitating an increase in dosage or even the use of multiple medications, which can be harmful to the body. Strictly following the doctor's instructions for medication is necessary to control blood sugar and reduce complications.
3.If blood sugar is well controlled, can I relax my dietary management?
No!
Dietary management plays a crucial role in the treatment of diabetes. Failing to control one's diet can result in significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which is harmful to maintaining a stable metabolic state in the body. It is important to consistently maintain dietary management throughout the entire treatment process and remain vigilant without becoming complacent.
Ways to effectively manage the health of diabetes patients
Managing health effectively is crucial for diabetes patients to minimize the risk of complications and lead a healthier life. Here are some key strategies for proper management:
1.Regular medical care: Diabetes requires ongoing monitoring and management by healthcare professionals. Regular check-ups and consultations are essential for assessing risk factors, monitoring blood sugar levels, and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
2.Healthy lifestyle choices: Adopting and maintaining healthy habits is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. This includes following a balanced diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. These lifestyle choices can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.
3.Blood sugar monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential for diabetes management. This can be done through self-monitoring using a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring systems. By keeping track of their blood sugar levels, patients can make informed decisions about their diet, medication, and lifestyle choices.
4.Education and support: Diabetes education plays a vital role in empowering patients to manage their health effectively. Patients should seek out educational resources, workshops, and support groups that provide information on diabetes management, self-care techniques, and coping strategies. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends can also make a significant difference in managing diabetes.
5.Medication adherence: It is vital for diabetes patients to strictly follow their prescribed medication regimen. This includes taking medications as directed, at the correct dosage and frequency. Skipping or altering medication can lead to unstable blood sugar levels and increase the risk of complications.
How to do an insulin injection?
Among all the different medications available for managing diabetes, insulin injection administration stands out as one of the easiest and most convenient options. It allows individuals to effectively regulate their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are considering insulin injections as a treatment option, it is important to understand the protocols for safe administration.
Let's take a closer look at the NEST Reusable Pen Injector, which serves as a great example for insulin injection administration. This device provides a user-friendly and efficient way to deliver insulin into the body. With its simple design and easy-to-follow instructions, the NEST Reusable Pen Injector ensures accurate dosing and minimizes the risk of complications.
When using the NEST Reusable Pen Injector, it is crucial to follow the recommended protocols to ensure safe administration. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
1.Installing the pen cartridge
NEST Pen Injector Kit contains one pen injector, one cartridge, and three needles. Before injection, gather the pen injector, the cartridge, one disposable needle, one alcohol swab.
Remove the pen cap and the cartridge holder. Push back the plunger. Note that the plunger of a new pen may not extend.
Take one cartridge, insert it into the cartridge holder, and tighten the cartridge holder and pen body.
2.Preparation before injection
a.Install a needle
Before each injection, remove the paper tab from the injection needle. Screw the needle tightly onto the pen tip. Remove the outer needle cap, but do not discard it. Keep it for later when removing the needle. Remove the inner needle cap and discard it.
b.Exhausting air
Adjust the dose dial to two units, and hold the needle upright with the needle tip facing up. Gently tap the pen tip with your finger, to gather the air bubbles at the top. Push the injection button until you see a stream of insulin coming out,
which indicates that the air has been expelled and you can begin the injection.
c.Dosage adjustment
Adjust to the desired dose. If you adjust too much, you can adjust it back.
3.Injection
a.Disinfect the injection site with an alcohol swab. The recommended injection sites for regular insulin injections are shown in the diagram, including abdomen, back of the upper arm, outer thigh, buttocks.To prevent issues such as lipohypertrophy and skin problems, the injection site needs to be rotated regularly.
b.Insert the needle, slowly press the injection button with your thumb, until the it can no longer be pushed in.
c.Pause for 5 seconds, remove the pen injector.
d.Check the dose window. If it displays 0, it means you have injected a sufficient dose. If the injection button cannot be pushed further, and the dose display is not 0, it means you have not injected a sufficient dose.In that case, please replace with a new pen cartridge to administer the remaining dose.
e.Once the injection is complete,cover the needle with the outer needle cap,
unscrew the securely attached needle cap,discard it. Put on the pen cap, to complete the entire injection process.
By following the protocols for safe insulin injection administration, utilizing devices like the NEST Reusable Pen Injector, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage your diabetes and lead a healthier life.
Disposable Pen Injector
Reusable Pen Injector
