HOUSE CALL: DIABETES CHECK UP

In our House Call segment.  Dr Mariana Browne tells us what we need to know about detecting diabetes and how to treat it.

Transcript

00:00This segment is brought to you by Superfarm, your prescription of trust.

00:15Today I want to share five important things that you need to know about diabetes.

00:20Number one, in Shulana and Tobago, diabetes affects 14% of the population.

00:24That is approximately one in seven people.

00:27So diabetes is closer than you think.

00:30It's one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country.

00:33However, the good news is it is preventable and manageable.

00:38Number two, some signs and symptoms may be subtle.

00:40But you need to look out for signs like darkening of the neck, groin area or under the arms.

00:46Also known as arcanthosis navigans.

00:48It's a sign of insulin resistance.

00:51You can also look out for excessive thirst and urination.

00:55That's your body trying to get rid of all the excess sugar.

00:59And number three, one of the third symptoms you could look out for is weight loss or weight gain.

01:04These may seem very mild, but they can wreak havoc on your body over time.

01:08The third thing I want you to know is we diagnose it through blood testing.

01:11And we can do a simple blood test in your doctor's office.

01:14So we usually check for what is called the fasting blood sugar, a finger prick test.

01:18We use this device, a glucometer, and that will let us know if it's 126 or more, then you are diabetic.

01:26We can also use something called an HbA1c, and that lets us know how high your blood sugar has been over the last three months.

01:34We aim for your blood sugar and diabetes to be less than seven to avoid all those end organ complications.

01:40So the fourth thing is, if you have diabetes, how do we treat it?

01:43Well, diabetes needs to be treated from a multidisciplinary approach.

01:47We need to do lifestyle changes, as in you need to stop all processed foods and refined sugars, right?

01:53And that will help manage your blood sugar.

01:56Exercise, seven to ten thousand steps a day keeps the doctor away as far as I'm concerned.

02:00So I encourage all patients to, at least their minimum, try to get those seven to ten thousand steps in.

02:05Of course, medication plays a role.

02:08There are different types of medication depending on the type of diabetes, right?

02:12If it is type one diabetes, then you're going to have to be on insulin.

02:14If it's type two diabetes, then there is medication that you could take by mouth that can help reduce the blood sugar.

02:21And you can also use insulin in late stages of type two diabetes.

02:26Last but not least, four natural ingredients that you can add to your diet to help lower your blood sugar.

02:31Apple cider vinegar, fenugreek, turmeric, and cinnamon.

02:34Any of those things can help you naturally lower your blood sugar.

02:39If any of the symptoms I described earlier on relate to you, it's time to visit your doctor.

02:44It's Dr. Brown from TV6 House Call.

02:46Thank you for listening.

02:47This segment was brought to you by Superfarm, your prescription of trust.