Details about diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses in the Philippines, affecting 5.1 percent of Filipino adults in 2013 according to Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Despite this, did you know that you can have diabetes and be unaware of it?
“Poorly managed diabetes can lead to severe health complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. That is why it’s vital to learn more about diabetes and if needed, seek proper treatment immediately,” emphasizes MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Here’s what you need to know about diabetes:
What is diabetes? It’s a health complication wherein the pancreas can’t produce insulin (Type 1) or the body does not use insulin properly (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to use glucose that is found in food for energy.
What are the symptoms? People with diabetes experience frequent urination, excessive thirst, constant hunger, irritability, blurry vision, extreme and unexplained fatigue, wounds or cuts that are slow to heal, weight loss despite of eating, and tingling or numbness or pain in the hands and feet.
What are its complications? Those diagnosed with the disease are more prone to infections. High glucose levels and high blood pressure can also lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve disease, and eye diseases, among others. Regular monitoring and maintenance of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help avoid complications.
How is it treated? Eating healthy and engaging in physical activities will help the body break down insulin better and convert glucose into energy. Some, depending on condition, need to take insulin injections and oral agents pills, which help diabetics produce more insulin and utilize insulin better.
How to prevent it? Having a regular exercise routine like 30 minutes of walking a day greatly helps in reducing risk of diabetes. Dr. Montoya recommends reducing consumption of alcohol and processed sugars such as candies and sodas while adding more food rich in monounsaturated fats in your diet.
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Why wear multi-coated lenses?
When you visit the eye doctor to get prescription glasses, most likely, you spend more time choosing the frame that suits your face shape and personal style than considering the lenses that will be used for it.
“Wearing just any kind of glasses is not enough,” points out Dr. Emelita Roleda, general manager of ophthalmics optics company Essilor Philippines. “It is important to choose the right lens to get the best protection.”
Dr. Roleda explains the two kinds of lenses: uncoated and multi-coated. According to her, uncoated lenses are prone to damage and don’t provide protection against elements that threaten healthy vision. Multi-coated lenses, meanwhile, enhance the performance, quality, and life of glasses.
Multi-coated variant is more advanced and tightly controlled due to computer processes. These lenses are evenly layered, can withstand high temperature, and offer more improved performance.
“Invest in high quality lenses as it will really pay off in the long run, in terms of benefits to one’s eyesight,” says Dr. Roleda.
Essilor offers Crizal Prevencia, a multi-coated lens made with smart technology that filters out harmful blue-violet and UV lights emitted by the sun, gadgets, LED TVs, LED lights and fluorescent lights. On top of preventing long-term vision damage, it allows good light that helps regulate sleep and mood, and boosts brain activity.