MakatiMed’s Diabetes Care Center reveals how you can manage the disease and its effects

Diabetes is often called a “silent killer,” and for good reason. It’s caused by persistently high blood sugar, which happens when your body can’t produce or properly use insulin—the hormone responsible for turning food into energy. For a long time, diabetes might not show any clear symptoms. But once signs do emerge, they can significantly increase your risk of developing serious diseases or cause lasting harm.

“Diabetes impacts our body literally from head to toe,” says Jimmy B. Aragon, MD from the Diabetes Care Center of top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “That’s why we always advocate for early detection, so treatment can begin before the effects become irreversible.”

When your blood sugar stays high for too long, it harms your blood vessels. This damage can lead to many serious health problems, some of which are even life-threatening:

Cardiovascular disease. “People with diabetes are more at risk of getting a stroke and heart attack,” reveals Dr. Aragon. “Damaged blood vessels become stiff and develop plaque, hampering oxygen and blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart.”

Visual problems. “Damaged blood vessels in the eyes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that blurs vision and could progress to blindness,” shares Dr. Aragon. “Cataracts or a cloudiness in your eye’s lens and glaucoma or the damage of an optic nerve are also traced to diabetes.”

Kidney disease. “When high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels and filters of the kidneys, it impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter out toxic waste from our system,” says Dr. Aragon. “The kidneys’ impaired function may eventually lead to dialysis or a kidney transplant.”

Neuropathy. Nerve damage due to high blood sugar usually presents itself in the legs and feet. “The sensation is one of pins and needles,” explains Dr. Aragon. “It could also manifest as numbness, and the loss of feeling makes you unaware of injuries on your feet.” People with diabetes are also known for their slow-healing wounds in the feet—a result, yet again, of damaged blood vessels and poor circulation.

Beyond the often-silent nature of diabetes, some common indicators to look out for include frequent urination, dry skin, persistent fatigue, and an unending thirst.

Managing blood sugar is the first step to controlling diabetes. “The two most common tests to check for diabetes are Fasting Blood Sugar and HbA1c,” says Dr. Aragon. “The former measures blood sugar after eight hours of fasting, the latter measures your average blood sugar levels in the last 2-3 months.” Type 2 diabetes (wherein the body cannot make insulin or is resistant to it) is the more common form of disease, while type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune disorder that attacks the cells that make insulin) is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

Aim for a normal fasting blood sugar between 70 and 100 mg/dl (or (3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L). “You’re considered prediabetes if your blood sugar runs from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L). A result of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher means you have diabetes,” reminds Dr. Aragon.

Medications can help lower blood sugar or improve your body’s ability to use insulin. MakatiMed also recommends straightforward lifestyle adjustments to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Dr. Aragon advises replacing carbs with low-glycemic whole grains and fiber, and hydrating with water, not sugary drinks, to manage blood sugar. The doctor also recommends staying active. Even a 30-minute walk after meals helps lower blood sugar and aids weight loss for better overall health.

Given that people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing serious foot problems, Dr. Aragon stresses moisturizing and cleaning feet, and wearing socks to prevent sores. Diabetes also affects many of our organs, so the expert emphasizes the importance of monitoring any changes not only with your blood sugar but with your eyes, kidneys, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

“Diabetes doesn’t have to be your ‘silent killer,’” asserts Dr. Aragon. “With your doctor’s guidance and your compliance, you can live a full and active life and do what non-diabetics can do, within healthy limits, of course.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.