Early Action on Diabetes
Different types of diabetes
There are about three different types of diabetes commonly diagnosed in Namibia, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
T2DM occurs when the body develops insulin resistance (cells fail to use insulin effectively) coupled with a relative deficiency in insulin secretion.
It typically develops in middle to late adulthood, though increasingly seen in younger populations due to lifestyle shifts. Strong risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, age, and family history.
Managing T2DM includes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, oral glucose-lowering medications such as metformin, and sometimes insulin injections.
A primary care study conducted across public health clinics in Windhoek assessed non-diabetic outpatients for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) risk factors. The findings showed that 15.5% of outpatients had a high risk of developing T2DM. Key prevalent risk factors included a family history of hypertension (42.3%), family history of diabetes (39.7%), and high rates of physical inactivity (33.8%).
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
T1DM is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to near-total or complete absence of insulin.
It is often diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults, but can present at any age. Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers play a role.
Managing T1DM includes daily lifelong insulin administration via injections or an insulin pump and continuous blood glucose monitoring.
Recently diagnosed T1DM, Reginal Coetzee says, “It has been a big adjustment. I was diagnosed last year at 22 years old, I already had my own habits and way of life so for everything to literally change overnight has been a rollercoaster.”
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
GDM occurs when high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy due to placental hormones blocking effective insulin action.
The condition usually resolves after childbirth, but women affected have a significantly elevated long-term risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other: Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glycaemia
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) are intermediate conditions in the transition between normality and diabetes. People with IGT or IFG are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable
Symptoms to look out for
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age and is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, particularly in adults, making the recognition of symptoms essential for early diagnosis and life-saving treatment, as delayed diagnosis and a lack of timely care can be fatal.
Symptoms of diabetes may occur suddenly. In type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can be mild and may take many years to be noticed.
Some of the symptoms include:
- feeling very thirsty
- needing to urinate more often than usual
- blurred vision
- feeling tired
- losing weight unintentionally
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, significantly increasing the risk of severe health complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and permanent vision loss. Additionally, nerve damage and poor blood flow frequently cause foot problems, which can develop into ulcers and ultimately lead to amputation.
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable, with key contributing factors including being overweight, a lack of regular physical activity, and genetic predisposition. Because symptoms can be mild and take several years to notice, the condition is frequently diagnosed only after complications have already developed, though its warning signs are generally similar to, if less marked than, those of type 1 diabetes.
Consequently, early detection is vital to preventing the most severe health impacts of the disease. The most effective way to catch type 2 diabetes early and intervene before complications arise is by scheduling regular check-ups and routine blood tests with a healthcare provider.
When it comes to gestational diabetes it is diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than through reported symptoms.
Prevention
Lifestyle changes are the single most effective way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. By taking proactive steps to improve daily habits, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing the condition and protect themselves against its long-term health complications.
To effectively prevent type 2 diabetes, people should aim to reach and maintain a healthy body weight while staying physically active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet low in sugar and saturated fats, along with avoiding tobacco use, provides vital support for overall metabolic health.
More than 40% of people living with diabetes around the world are undiagnosed. Know the symptoms. Early diagnosis saves lives.
