Treatment of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder in which high levels of glucose in the blood are caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin function. Insulin promotes the delivery of glucose from the blood to the cells and regulates metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates. When insulin secretion is impaired, glucose does not enter the cells but accumulates in the blood, leading to cell starvation and marked increases in blood glucose.

There are quite a few risk factors for this serious disease (obesity, malnutrition, and excessive alcohol consumption), but it is usually caused by a combination of several risk factors. Inheritance plays an important role in the development of diabetes.

For diabetes mellitus, it is recommended that you be screened if:

• you experience a strong thirst;
• you have started to urinate frequently;
• you experience fatigue and weakness;
• you have started to lose weight;
• your eyesight began to decline suddenly.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus should be referred to a physician endocrinologist. Patients must have a referral from their family practitioner (paediatrician).

Diabetes mellitus is measured by a blood glucose test and a glucose tolerance test.

If left untreated or poorly treated, high levels of glucose can damage the walls of blood vessels, cause multiple organ dysfunction, nerve, eye, and kidney damage. Impaired blood circulation in the limbs, results in opening ulcers and development of the diabetic foot.

The polyclinic has a Diabetic Foot Room

Here you can access advice from a diabetes nurse and receive a therapeutic pedicure.