VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2016
Refreshing Your Health
STAY ON TOP OF DIABETES • Diabetes types • FBS vs HbA1c • What’s insulin anyway? • Is diabetes a big problem in
the Philippines?
• Worried about diabetes?
Stay on top of diabetes KNOW THE BASICS AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, PREVENT THE PREVENTABLE Diabetes has grown to be such a common diagnosis that learning someone has it doesn’t really come as a surprise anymore. According to the latest estimates by the World Health Organization, 422 million adults have diabetes. That’s 1 person in 11! Even
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more worrying is that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world – in 2012 alone, diabetes caused 1.5 million deaths. And the numbers keep rising. Are the facts about such a common disease also common knowledge?
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2016
Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose (sugar). Diabetes types When people think of diabetes, they most usually refer to type 2 diabetes – and with good reason, as type 2 diabetes accounts for most of the diabetes cases in the world. But other types matter as well.
Cause
Type 1
Type 2
Gestational
Lack of insulin made by body
Body cannot use insulin effectively
High blood sugar during pregnancy
Symptoms
Increased urine output Excessive thirst Constant hunger Weight loss No obvious symptoms
Fatigue Nausea or vomiting Blurred vision Frequent infections Slow-healing wounds How to diagnose Preventable
Blood tests No (not yet)
Risk factors
Yes
Possibly
Being overweight or obese Sedentary lifestyle Family history of diabetes
Family history of diabetes
Family history of diabetes
>25 years old
Hypertension Low HDL (good cholesterol)
Being overweight or obese
High triglycerides Treatment
Insulin Proper diet and exercise
Proper diet and exercise
Proper diet and exercise
Oral medication
Oral medication
Insulin, if necessary
Insulin, if necessary*
Consequences Stroke, Heart attack, Blindness, Kidney failure Nerve damage, Amputation
High risk of pregnancy and delivery complications High risk of type 2 diabetes in future
*Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the baby is born
What’s insulin anyway? Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar (glucose) levels by moving sugar into the body’s cells, which need it for energy. When there’s not enough insulin or when the body doesn’t use it effectively, glucose stays
in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes. Over time, persistently raised blood sugar (hyperglycemia) damages the nerves and blood vessels of the body. This is why diabetes is so dangerous.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2016
Is diabetes a big problem in the Philippines?
FBS vs HbA1c
TOP 15 IN THE WORLD FOR DIABETES PREVALENCE
Normal
<100 mg/dL
Prediabetes 100-125 mg/dL
Diabetes
≥126 mg/dl
HbA1c is a reflection of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Fasting is unnecessary for this test. Normal
<5.7%
Prediabetes Diabetes
5.7%-6.4%
≥6.5%
MILLION DIAGNOSED
??? PEOPLE UNAWARE THEY HAVE DIABETES
DIABETES IS GROWING MOST RAPIDLY IN LOW- AND MIDDLEINCOME COUNTRIES
These are two common blood tests used to measure blood sugar. FBS (fasting blood sugar) or FPG (fasting plasma glucose) is taken after at least 8 hours of fasting.
DIABETES DEATHS 21,710 IN AGES 30-69 11,580 IN AGES ≥70
WHO 2016
Worried about diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease – you can’t cure it – but, despite this, people with diabetes can still live long and happy lives. And the only way to do this is to manage diabetes well. • Control blood sugar through proper diet, physical activity and, if needed, medication • Control blood pressure and cholesterol to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack and other complications • Regularly screen for damage to the eyes, kidneys and feet so treatment can be started as early as possible
Choose to eat healthily Avoid sugar and saturated fats Make an effort to be physically active 30 min of moderate-intensity activity most days Stop smoking Not only to prevent diabetes but also other cardiovascular problems Watch your weight Have your blood sugar checked Follow your doctor’s advice Never self-medicate
Don’t wait. The longer you live with undiagnosed, untreated or uncontrolled diabetes, the worse your outcome could be.
Helping Your People in the Path to Progress Benefits Made Better Email us at inquiries@activelinkbenefits.com or call us at 8174606, and let us know when we can share our strategy. Let us help you make your benefits better!
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2016 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 7/F Electra House Building 115-117 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City www.activelinkbenefits.com
A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Anna de Guzman, MD