Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. As a chronic disease, diabetes is a significant cause of death in Indonesia. By 2024, Indonesia is projected to rank fifth globally in the number of adults (aged 20–79) living with diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes
It occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This condition typically begins in childhood or adolescence. - Type 2 Diabetes
The most common type is insulin resistance, a condition where the body cannot use insulin effectively. It's usually closely linked to unhealthy lifestyles such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
It occurs during pregnancy and generally improves after delivery, but it still needs to be monitored because it increases the risk of diabetes later in life.
Common Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms often appear slowly and often go unnoticed, so it's important to recognize them early so they can be treated promptly. Some common signs include:
- Often feel thirsty and hungry
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Drastic weight loss and easy fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Wounds that are difficult to heal
Diabetes Prevention Efforts
Diabetes prevention can be done by adopting a healthy lifestyle, as follows:
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Eat a healthy diet of between 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
- Reduce your intake of sugar, salt and saturated fat
- Regularly do 30 minutes of physical activity every day
- Manage stress
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol
Diet for Diabetes Sufferers
Dietary management is key to managing diabetes. With the right diet, blood sugar levels can be better controlled, helping prevent complications and improving quality of life. Here's a diet plan to maintain stable blood sugar levels:
- Schedule: Eat every 3 hours, consisting of breakfast, lunch, dinner, three snacks.
- Amount: Daily calories adjusted according to body weight, age, gender and daily activity
- Type: Reduce sweet drinks, eat more vegetables
When Should You Go to the Hospital Immediately?
Early detection of diabetes is achieved through regular blood glucose and HbA1c tests. Consult an internist—an endocrinologist, metabolic, and diabetes consultant—at EMC Cikarang Hospital immediately if you experience symptoms or risk factors to receive appropriate and optimal treatment.
Don't wait until symptoms appear. Start a healthy lifestyle now and get regular checkups to prevent diabetes early.
This article was written by Dr. Yosephine Yossy, Sp.PD-KEMD (Internal Medicine Specialist - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant at EMC Cikarang Hospital).