One stop specialized care
Diabetes is a complex health condition that needs to be treated by a multi-disciplinary team as it requires specialized care.
Eros Diabetes Care at the Eros Family Practice has a trained, experienced and passionate team offering a structured diabetes care program, says dietician Charlotte Thiele who is one of those closely involved. According to Charlotte the diabetes clinic boasting structured diabetes care, was launched this month which is also international diabetes month. “With this we also want to create awareness and which includes the free testing of the blood sugar of members of the public until the 24th of November Monday to Friday from 07:30 – 16:00,” she says.
According to Charlotte the person with diabetes and their family are placed at the heart of the individualized initiative to improve quality of life and prevent long term complications. Quality diabetes care focus on three elements namely Individualization, team care and support as well as control.
“Every person is unique and even more so in a daily life with diabetes. Therefore every person with diabetes must be empowered with a unique care plan through continuous education, empowering them to manage as best they can,” she explains. According to Charlotte many factors require care, hence a team of professionals including diabetes trained doctors, a diabetes nurse educator, dietitian and diabetes coach can treat, support, motivate and further refer to biokineticists, psychologists and other specialists. Such team approach assures achievable targets are set, met and maintained.
Control is based on three cornerstones, namely increased physical activity, healthy, mindful and sustainable eating, as well as optimal medication.
Charlotte explains the following questions will help you to find out if you are at higher risk of having type 2 diabetes.
“You can have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes without having any obvious warning signs or symptoms. Knowing your risk can help you make healthy choices now that will reduce your risk or even prevent you from developing diabetes.”
Circle the right alternative and add up your points
1. What is your age
Below 40 years
0p 45-54 years
2p 55-64 years
4p Above 65
2. Calculate your BMI (body weight divided by height in meters²)
0p < 25 kg /m²
1p 25– 30 kg/m²
3p >30 kg /m²
3. Measure the circumference at your waist (just above your navel)
Males Females
0p < 94cm < 80cm
3p 94 – 102cm 80 – 88cm
4p > 102cm > 88cm
4. Are you physically active for at least 30 min/ day?
0p Yes
2p No
5. How often do you eat vegetables and fruit
0p every day
1p not every day
6. Was your blood pressure ever high / do you take medication for high blood pressure?
0p No
2p Yes
7. Did your blood sugar ever test too high e.g. during pregnancy or illness?
0p No
5p Yes
8. Do any of your direct relatives have diabetes?
0p No
3p Yes – grandparent / aunt / uncle / cousin
5p Yes – mother / father / sister / brother
TOTAL SCORE : <7 = LOW RISK
7-11 = SLIGHTLY ELEVATED RISK
12-14 = MODERATE RISK
15-20 = HIGH RISK
>20 = VERY HIGH RISK
Reduce your risk by losing weight – eating healthy and increasing physical activity
(Adapted from : FINnish Diabetes RIsk SCore (FINDRISC) to assess the 10-year risk of type 2 diabetes in adults. (Modified from Lindstrom et al. 36 available at: www.diabetes.fi/english).
Did you know?
By 2045 projections show that 1 in 8 adults, approximately 783 million, will be living with diabetes, an increase of 46%.
STATS:
The 5 most surprising facts about diabetes
• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness worldwide
• Adults with diabetes are twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke
• Millions worldwide have Type 1 diabetes
• Many early symptoms of diabetes are too mild to notice
• Half of all those with diabetes are undiagnosed