An individual is considered diabetic when their body exhibits a low insulin index and/or the inability to perform insulin, thus resulting in consistently high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Diabetes can be divided into the following types and characteristics: pre-diabetes, with symptoms including excessive hunger or thirst, fatigue, weight gain, and even increased frequency of urination. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the non-production or very low production of insulin by the pancreas and affects adolescents and young individuals. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes typically affects middle-aged individuals. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by the balance and regulation of water quantity in the body, due to antidiuretic hormone. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the mother experiences imbalances in blood sugar caused by rapid and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
The consumption of sugar and poor dietary habits are identified as the main causes of diabetes. On the other hand, factors influencing the prevalence of diabetes may include age, ethnicity, gender, lack of physical activity, social group affiliation, unhealthy eating habits, and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
As a way to raise awareness globally, World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14th each year. The date originated in 1991 when Sir Frederick Banting, along with Charles Best, discovered insulin.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, MISAU, in Mozambique, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing at alarming rates. The numbers indicate that three million individuals in the country are affected by this chronic disease.
The alert about the dangers of the disease comes from the Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago. It is mentioned that the alteration of hyperglycemia occurs in the body of children, adolescents, young people, and the elderly in the same proportion, as long as the individual is exposed to the syndrome. That is why Armindo Tiago recommends paying attention to health care, and above all, to dietary habits, which, as he explains, are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
"So, each of us is responsible, according to the health policy, for taking care of our own health. It's not to say that the hospital doesn't treat well; the first doctor is yourself. So, the message I want to convey is that each of us is the doctor of oneself, and only then does one seek another doctor," stated the Minister of Health.
Armindo Tiago emphasized the ongoing importance of bridging theory with practice. Therefore, everything that is known as theory translates into applying knowledge in practice, as diabetes has spread throughout the country.
Armindo Tiago recommends strictly adhering to preventive measures and calls for a behavioral change among citizens: "We cannot do what we did yesterday; we cannot bring only adults to our march. We should start bringing our children so that they understand that physical activity, healthy eating, and reducing the harmful consumption of tobacco and alcohol should be part of their lives if we want to have a bright future and longevity for our children."
It should be noted that individuals with diabetes should follow a dietary plan that will guide them in improving glucose levels in the body.
By Joana Carlos
