Timely detection of diabetes crucial to avoid complications: experts

Islamabad

Screening for diabetes complications is an important part of effective management of the disease. Diabetic patients must adopt preventive measures to avoid serious health hazards, said Dr. Tayyab Badshah, consultant endocrinologist at Shifa International Hospital (SIH).

Dr. Tayyab was addressing a seminar organised by SIH to mark World Diabetes Day here on Monday. Doctors, SIH officials, students, patients, and people from various walks of life attended the seminar. Free consultancy, screening, booklets and prizes were given to participants. The theme of the day was ‘Eyes on Diabetes.’

Dr. Tayyab said, 415 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2015, and one over one third will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision impairment and blindness. Careful management of diabetes and screening for diabetic eye disease can help prevent visual impairment and blindness. More than 93 million adults, or one in three, currently living with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy.

The management of diabetes and its complications begins in primary health care and this should include screening for diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and society. Screening for diabetes complications is an important part of effective management of the disease to ensure optimal health, he recommended.

Dr. Tayyab added that early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy could prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and society. Many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present. Up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles, equivalent to up to 160 million cases by 2040, he informed.

Dr. Tayyab said one in two people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, which makes them particularly susceptible to the complications of the condition, causing substantial disability and premature death. More than 640 million people may be living with diabetes by 2040. Delayed diagnosis means that many people with type 2 diabetes will suffer from at least one complication by the time they are diagnosed with diabetes. In many countries, diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputation.

Dr. Usama Ishtiaq, consultant endocrinologist at SIH, said 1 in 2 (46%) people with diabetes are undiagnosed. Diabetes caused 5 million deaths in 2015; every six seconds, a person dies from diabetes. Pakistan is at the 10th position, with over 7 million diabetic patients between 20 to 79 years of age. He said, 86,000 children suffer from type-1 diabetes every year. Worldwide, more than 20.9 million live births were affected by diabetes during pregnancy in 2015, meaning 1 in 7 births. A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, regular medication and proper blood glucose level tests are a few essential factors that can help to control diabetes and avoid complications, he recommended.

Aisha Wajahat, podiatrist (foot and ankle specialist) at SIH said, many people with diabetes know they have to take care of their feet; understanding why foot problems occur will help them take preventive action. She said, prolonged periods of high blood glucose levels can cause damage to different areas of the body including feet and legs. High blood glucose can cause damage to long nerves and blood vessels. Damage to nerves is sometimes called neuropathy. When it affects the feet, it can damage sensory nerves, motor nerves and autonomic nerves.

The other important reason why some diabetic patients may develop foot problem is due to damaged blood vessels. This affects blood circulation, which is important for skin, muscles and tissues.

Dr. Aisha highlighted the importance of preventing foot problems. Any injury or hard skin has the potential to develop into something more serious if you have diabetes because damage to the skin in people with diabetes does not heal easily and can cause ulcer on the foot. An ulcer is a wound or sore that takes a long time to heal. This kind of wound starts with a break in the skin, which gets worse instead of better. The skin around the ulcer may look red or darker than normal. She advised patients to develop their own daily foot care routine, wear the right shoes and socks, take care of their feet and seek help. She called for taking 3 steps in 3 minutes: check your feet, wash them with warm water and soap, and moisturise them.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/164930-Timely-detection-of-diabetes-crucial-to-avoid-complications-experts